Testicular cancer rates in New Zealand men show some unexpected patterns when compared with overseas populations, say researchers from the University of Otago, Wellington who have just completed a new study. Lead researcher Dr Diana Sarfati says the New Zealand results show that Maori men have much higher rates of testicular cancer than non-Maori, and that men from lower socioeconomic groups also have higher rates. This is the opposite to what is found other developed countries where the highest rates are found in 'White men' and those with better incomes. The new research shows Maori men have a 50% higher rate of testicular cancer than European New Zealanders, meanwhile Asian and Pacific Island men have half the rate of Europeans. Dr Sarfati says that, despite the curious data, the study did not look at the reasons behind these differences. What is clear is that, internationally, testicular cancer rates are increasing but the reason why and what causes testicular cancer are not known. The New Zealand study is based on all 2000 cases of testicular cancer taken from the Cancer Registry among men aged 15-44 years since 1981, and linked to census data. Testicular cancer is mainly a disease of young men, but survival rates are good as it responds well to surgery and chemotherapy. Men are encouraged to examine their own testes for unusual lumps or changes, in much the same way breast self-examination is recommended for women.