Causes of deaths--testicular cancers in Delaware, 1972-1986

This analysis of 135 germ cell testicular cancers in a defined population within one state from 1972 through 1986 confirms the reported incidence of seminoma (52%) vs. non-seminoma with significant age differences between the two histologic types, and shows that the adjusted (real) ten year survival from disease in a community setting can be better than 90%. Earlier diagnosis should make some differences and more aggressive therapy and follow-up including restaging especially of the teratocarcinomas, might improve the end results. This is not a benign disease even in seminomas where recurrent slow growing seminomas should also be given curative chemotherapy although the current experience does not specially point to that conclusion. The ACCC is encouraged to stimulate community studies using prospectively designed check lists to allow a more complete analysis of cancers with a high cure rate in order to assure optimum community application of the results of the National clinical trials in which many are now engaged.