Male Reproductive System Cancers
Male Reproductive System Cancers, also known as male urological cancer, is any cancer that starts in the men’s reproductive or urinary tract organs.
The two main types of male reproductive system cancer are prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Male reproductive system cancers can occur in anyone born with a male reproductive system, including trans-women and non-binary people.
Prostate cancer
The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ that sits at the base of the bladder. It produces most of the fluid that makes up semen, which mixes with the sperm produced by the testicles. In most cases, it is a slow-growing disease, but sometimes it can grow and spread quickly.
Early, or localised prostate cancer, is where cancer cells have not spread beyond the prostate. Most cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed at this stage. Advanced (or metastatic) prostate cancer is where the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.
The most common type of prostate cancer is adenocarcinoma, which develops from the cells that line the prostate gland. Other types of cells in the prostate can also develop into prostate cancer. These rare cancers are Sarcomas, Small cell carcinomas and Neuroendocrine tumours or transitional cell carcinomas.
Visit the Cancer Control Agency website for more information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
Testicular cancer
The testes are the two small, egg-shaped glands behind the penis that produce sperm.
Most testicular cancers start in the germ cells, the cells that make sperm. These are called germ cell cancers. There are two main types of germ cell cancers:
- Non-seminomas: more common in younger men, usually in their late teens or early 20s
- Seminomas: usually occurs in men aged 25 to 45 and tends to develop more slowly than non-seminoma cancers
Germ cell cancers are the third most common cancers affecting rangatahi in Aotearoa.
Disclosure: The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult a qualified medical professional or your healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice.
Support
Discovering you, or a member of your whānau, is facing a male reproductive system cancer can be really hard. A diagnosis of a male reproductive system cancer can result in a range of mixed reactions and life challenges.
Cancer affects everyone differently. That’s why Canteen provides a wide range of free support services to help rangatahi manage the specific challenges they’re dealing with. Canteen services and events can help you find ways to cope with what life looks like now you are facing these unexpected challenges.
You can talk to one of our specialist clinical team about the impacts of cancer on your life. This can be either in person, over the phone, or online. Rangatahi can also connect online 24/7 with peers who understand what you’re going through.
Alternatively, speak to your Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) key worker at hospital for advice and support regarding a male reproductive system cancer.
We also recommend reading the Cancer Society's A Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer booklet.