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Cancer-Related Masculine Threat in Young Adult Testicular Cancer Survivors: Associations With Biobehavioral Symptoms

Michael A Hoyt1,2,3, Zixia Wang1, Christian J Nelson4

  • 1Department of Population Health & Disease Prevention, Joe C. Wen School of Public Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.

Psycho-Oncology
|April 7, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cancer-related masculine threat (CMT) in young men after testicular cancer is linked to worse sleep, more depression, and anxiety. It also correlates with higher levels of inflammation markers like IL-6 and CRP.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Psychology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cancer and its treatments can challenge men's sense of masculinity.
  • Cancer-related masculine threat (CMT) describes the perception that cancer conflicts with one's ideal masculine role.
  • Young adult men undergoing testicular cancer treatment are a vulnerable population for experiencing CMT.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the associations between CMT and biobehavioral symptoms in young adult men post-testicular cancer treatment.
  • To investigate the relationship between CMT and pro-inflammatory biomarkers in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Secondary analysis of data from 44 young adult men treated for testicular cancer within two years.
  • Assessment of CMT, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and sleep quality via patient-reported questionnaires.
  • Measurement of circulating pro-inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, CRP, sTNFαRII) from blood samples.

Main Results:

  • CMT was significantly associated with poorer sleep quality (B=0.50, p<0.01).
  • Higher CMT levels correlated with increased symptoms of depression (B=0.47, p<0.01) and anxiety (B=0.54, p<0.01).
  • CMT showed significant associations with elevated IL-6 (B=0.47, p<0.05) and CRP (B=0.33, p<0.05) levels.

Conclusions:

  • Preliminary evidence suggests CMT is linked to biobehavioral symptoms and inflammation after testicular cancer treatment.
  • Identifying modifiable factors related to CMT is essential for developing interventions.
  • Behavioral interventions may help reduce and manage persistent symptoms in survivors.
Keywords:
anxietybiobehavioralcancer‐related masculine threatcytokinedepressioninflammationmasculinitysleeptesticular canceryoung adults

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