According to a model developed by scientists to analyze the development of baby boys while in the womb, testicular cancer may be linked to fetal growth abnormalities.

The Medical Research Council’s Human Reproductive Sciences Unit at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom conducted the research. According to Rod Mitchell, a clinical research fellow involved in the study, the discovery will help scientists better understand the development of various diseases due to the processes taken place in the womb.

Testicular cancer is defined by abnormal cell growth in the testes. It is the most common cancer among men in their 20s and 30s. If detected early, it is highly curable.

Through this discovery, scientists will now be able to better understand the risk for testicular germ cancer early on, which will lead to treatment discoveries and help prevent cancer-related deaths.