The Key Psychosocial Issues Faced by Men with Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumour in 15- to 35-year-old white males; however, it only accounts for 1%-2% of all male cancers. During the past few years, there have been huge advances in the treatment of testicular cancer. Survival rates for early stage disease are higher than 95%, and for all disease stages combined the survival rates are over 90%. With these improved rates has come the recognition that long-term side effects and quality-of-life issues are more important than ever. The disease presents at a peak period in men's reproductive life, which coincides with planning for a career and a family. Efforts have focused on improving treatment outcomes and not on quality-of-life issues; however, as with many cancer sites, the focus has moved to dealing with the psychosocial issues faced by survivors. The key issues of sexuality, fertility, and, subsequently, family or partner relationships are of concern to this group of patients and their partners and will be discussed in this article.