U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

200 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C.

Male Reproductive

Cancers

Fact Sheet

SOURCES:

National Cancer Institute

General information about penile cancer

National Cancer Institute

What you need to know about prostate 

cancer

National Cancer Institute

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test

General information about testicular 

cancer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Prostate cancer

WHAT’S INSIDE:

What is cancer?

What are reproductive cancers?

What are the early symptoms of 

reproductive cancers?

Are there tests to screen for 

reproductive cancers?

How are reproductive cancers

treated?
Office of Population Affairs Male Reproductive Cancers Fact Sheet

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

200 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C.

Reproductive cancers start in the organs related to reproduction (sex). 

The most common reproductive cancers in men are:

o Penile (PEE-nile)—begins in the penis, part of the external genitals.

o Testicular (tes-TIH-kyuh-ler)—begins in the testicles, the two egg-shaped 

glands near the base of the penis that make sperm.

o Prostate (PROS-tayt)—begins in the prostate, a gland that surrounds the 

urethra (the tube that empties the bladder).

Each type of reproductive cancer has different symptoms. 

o Penile—Redness, discomfort, a sore or a lump on the penis.

o Testicular—Pain, discomfort, a lump or swelling in the testicle, aching in the 

lower abdomen (belly).

o Prostate— Weak flow of urine, blood in urine, pain in the back, hips, or pelvis 

(lower belly between the hips), needing to pass urine often.

It’s important to see a health care provider if you have any of these symptoms.

Sometimes cancer causes no symptoms and is found because of a lab test that is not 

normal. 

Health care providers use screening tests to find a disease before the person has any 

symptoms.

There are no screening tests for testicular or penile cancer. It’s important for men to 

see a health care provider about any symptoms. Finding cancers early increases the 

chance of success. 

There are two screening tests for prostate cancer:

What is cancer?

Cancer occurs when cells in the body grow out of control. 

Cancers are named for the part of the body where they start. 

What are reproductive cancers?

What are the early symptoms of reproductive cancers?

Are there tests to screen for reproductive cancers?
Office of Population Affairs Male Reproductive Cancers Fact Sheet

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

200 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C.

o prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test—blood test for PSA, a protein made by 

the prostate gland. Prostate cancer can increase the PSA level. Conditions 

that are not cancerous can also increase the PSA. 

o Rectal exam—the health care provider inserts a gloved finger into rectum to 

check for lumps in the prostate 

Health care providers use diagnostic tests to find cancers in people who have 

symptoms. 

The tests used to find reproductive cancers depend on the type. These tests include:

o Lab tests—blood tests that sometimes show signs of cancer.

o Ultrasound test—imaging test that helps doctors “see” inside the body.

o Biopsy—procedure where small pieces of tissue are taken to check for cancer.

The treatment depends on the type of cancer.

Reproductive cancers are often treated with surgery, chemotherapy (medicine to kill cancer 

cells), hormone therapy (medicine to block hormones that are related to cancer growth), or 

radiation.

One or more of these treatments may be used together.

An oncologist (cancer doctor) can help you select the right treatment. 

How are reproductive cancers treated?