RESEARCH involving a University of the Sunshine Coast academic has found a link between testicular cancer and how far men live from the Equator.

The research, led by USC Professor Michael Kimlin, found the incidence of germ cell testicular cancer in men in Australia and the United States increased the further they lived from the equator.

The incidence of the cancer increased by 1% for every degree of latitude the men were away from the imaginary line dividing Earth's northern and southern hemispheres.

But blokes should not pack up and move to Cape York just yet.

Prof Kimlin said further research was needed to determine the reason for relationship between testicular cancer and latitude.

The professor has previously been involved in research looking at sunlight, vitamin D and cancer and said there could be some link between latitude, vitamin D and testicular cancer.

"We're not sure. We're not sure exactly what it is but we do know that sunlight is linked. Is it heat? Is it the ultraviolet? Is it the making of vitamin D?” he said.

"What is it that is in sunlight that might be involved with this type of cancer?”

Prof Kimlin said little was known about testicular cancer and risk factors in comparison to other cancers.

He said incidences of it were higher in northern and north-western Europe compared to souther Europe, and it was lowest in Asia and Africa.

There was also a strong genetic association with a gene variant linked to light-coloured skin.

Doctor Robert Biggar, of Queensland University of Technology, a co-author of the research paper, said testicular cancer was a a young man's disease, peaking in incidence in the men in their 20s and rarely occurring beyond 30, so risk factors possibly occurred during childhood.

"While there could be other explanations, sunlight is certainly one,” he said.

Prof Kimlin said the disease warranted further research because, although highly survivable, it had lifelong effects.

"This is a cancer that, if detected early, has a good survival rate but because the affected testicles are removed for this type of cancer, there are other impacts on men, their ability to have children... the costs for developing it can be carried through their whole life.”

He said if nothing else, the research might increase awareness of testicular cancer and lead to improved survival rates through early detection.

Cancer Council Queensland spokesman Katie Clift said about 150 Queensland men were diagnosed with testicular cancer every year.

She said the most common symptom was a painless swelling or a lump in the testicle, while less common symptoms could include a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum or a change in the shape or size of the testicle.

She encouraged men with questions about testicular cancer to call the Cancer Council on 13 11 20 or visit their general practitioner.