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Geographical Pattern of Testicular Cancer Points to Maternal Exposures Behind Increasing Incidence
Antti Kaipia1, Karri Seppä2,3, Elli Hirvonen2
1Department of Urology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
International Journal of Cancer
|July 4, 2026
Summary
Maternal residence during pregnancy is linked to geographic variations in testicular cancer (TC) incidence. This study of Finnish men suggests prenatal environmental factors may influence TC risk and explain regional differences.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Reproductive Health
- Cancer Epidemiology
Background:
- Testicular cancer (TC) is thought to originate from fetal germ cell neoplasia.
- Prenatal environmental exposures are hypothesized to influence TC risk.
- Regional variations in TC incidence suggest underlying environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal residence during pregnancy and regional TC incidence.
- To examine geographic clustering and temporal trends in TC incidence.
- To explore the role of prenatal environmental factors in TC pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide cohort study of 1,342,996 men born in Finland (1960-1999).
- Follow-up from birth to 2021, identifying 2976 TC cases.
- Bayesian hierarchical binomial regression used to model regional TC incidence by municipality and birth cohort.
Main Results:
- TC incidence increased across birth cohorts, peaking for those born 1975-1979.
- Significant geographic clustering of TC incidence was observed.
- Incidence was consistently higher in southwestern Finland, with an eastward shift over time.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that prenatal environmental factors contribute to TC pathogenesis.
- Maternal residence during pregnancy may partly explain regional TC incidence variations.
- Further research is needed to identify specific environmental exposures linked to TC risk.
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