Exercise, diet and psychological support for patients with testicular cancer

Prehabilitative and rehabilitative exercise, psychological support and nutrition interventions have proven beneficial in many cancer populations. Testicular cancer survivors have high rates of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, hypogonadism and psychosocial issues, and might yield greater benefit from such interventions than the average cancer survivor population. Results from the few studies available in this field suggest that exercise can improve fatigue, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk profile and physical performance measures (such as VO₂ max), whereas psychological support programmes have been shown to improve fatigue and mental health. However, a paucity of data exists on best practices for provision of nutrition, exercise and psychological support within the testicular cancer space, patients and caregivers, highlighting the urgent need for additional work in this field. Overall, prehabilitation and rehabilitation interventions for testicular cancer are safe and efficacious, and should be implemented by clinicians at diagnosis and throughout survivorship.