Caregiver
Anonymous's Story
Written by Rob's mum, charity founder, Lorna. "You’re my first thought when I wake and the last when I sleep, and I can’t see that ever changing."
Read their storyGerm cell tumours can occur in the testicles, ovaries, or other parts of the body. They develop from the cells that make eggs or sperm. While rare, they primarily affect adolescents and young adults.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Lump or swelling
A painless lump, usually in the testicle or ovary
Abdominal pain
Pain in the lower abdomen or back
Breathlessness
Shortness of breath or persistent cough if cancer has spread to the chest
Fatigue and weight loss
Unusual tiredness and unexplained weight loss
Symptoms vary depending on where the germ cell tumor is located. Always see your GP if you notice unusual changes.
Risk Factors
Undescended testicle
Boys born with an undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) have a higher risk of testicular germ cell tumours, even if surgically corrected
Previous germ cell tumour
If you've had a germ cell tumour in one testicle or ovary, there's an increased risk of developing one in the other
Family history
Having a close relative (father or brother) with a germ cell tumour slightly increases risk
Klinefelter syndrome
This genetic condition affecting males is associated with a higher risk of mediastinal (chest) germ cell tumours
Having one or more risk factors doesn't mean you will develop germ cell cancer. Many people with risk factors never develop the disease.
The Facts
15-35 years
Most common in young adults
Cancer Research UK
90%+
Highly curable
NHS 2024
3%
Of childhood cancers
Cancer Research UK 2024
Myths Busted
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Caregiver
Alastair's Story
Dorothy shares the story of her son, Alastair, who tragically passed away after being diagnosed with a Mediastinal Germ Cell Cancer.
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Anonymous's Story
My Mediastinal Germ Cell Cancer Story Oct 31, 2022 2 min read Sarah, Mediastinal Germ Cell Cancer Survivor On Monday 1st July 2019 my life radically changed forever. I woke up struggling to br...
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