The Testicular cancer Support Center

Every person is unique, but when you face a challenge like a diagnosis of Testicular cancer, you are never alone.  Countless men and boys have faced the exact same diagnosis and have survived and thrived.  The following guide is designed to help you navigate your journey with the best information and resources that helped other cancer patients when they faced the same challenge.  

TSC has scoured the Internet and assembled links to the very best testicular cancer resources: articles, blogs, forums and tools that can help you make better decisions and take action to overcome the range of physical, emotional and other challenges you’re facing.

As you’ll see, we always welcome your ideas and suggestions to make this Testicular Cancer Guide even more helpful to survivors like you.   

JUST FOUND OUT 

Survivors Say: Best Resources for a Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer

• What is Testicular Cancer?  A brief definition of testicular cancer from the Mayo Clinic with links to additional information.
• Questions and Answers about Testicular Cancer  From the National Cancer Institute. Learn everything from what it is, to risk factors to treatment.
• Do I Have Testicular Cancer? Detailed information about testicular cancer provided by The American Cancer Society.

The Big Picture

Testicular cancer primarily affects men and boys between the ages of 15 and 54.  While it is not a common form of cancer it is the most common cancer diagnosis for men in the affected age group.  While the symptoms of testicular cancer – pain in the groin and/or testicles, swelling of one or both testis, lumps on the testis or in the scrotum – are often caused by problems other than cancer, it is important that men who have any of these symptoms see a doctor immediately for evaluation.

There are 4 major types of testicular cancer and only a doctor can tell if you have testicular cancer and, if so, which type you have.  Your treatment may vary depending not only on which type of testicular cancer you have but on what stage of development the cancer has reached and whether the cancer has spread (metastasized).

To better understand the most common signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, be sure to read the National Cancer Society’s website:

An Overview of Testicular Cancer

Your Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer accounts for approximately 1% of all cancers diagnosed in men and boys.  In other words, it is an uncommon form of cancer.  Obviously that fact provides little comfort to anyone who has testicular cancer.  The primary risk factor in getting testicular cancer seems to be family history – if testicular cancer is common in your family, then your likelihood of getting it is increased.

Overall, a man’s risk of getting testicular cancer is approximately 1 in 300 and the risk of dying from it is approximately 1 in 5,000 according to the American Cancer Society.  Approximately 3 percent to 4 percent of men who have had testicular cancer in one testis will develop it in the other testis as well.

Is It Possible to Prevent Testicular Cancer?

There are a large number of treatments options for those diagnosed with testicular cancer. Treatment options vary depending on the stage your cancer is in and depending on the exact type of testicular cancer you have. Learn what your treatment options are from the American Cancer Society:

Treatment Options by Stage of Cancer

Your World

Obviously you are going to be inundated with a flood of emotions the moment you hear a diagnosis of testicular cancer.  This is perfectly normal.  Talk with your loved ones and reach out to support centers during the initial stages of your journey. For advice on dealing with the tangled web of emotions you may be going through, visit the Mayo Clinic’s website and read:

Testicular Cancer: Coping and Support

It’s sometimes difficult to put everything into perspective and get a clear handle on everything that has suddenly changed in your life. One week before the US Olympic Trials, swimmer Eric Shanteau was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Read his amazing story.

Putting Testicular Cancer in its Place

Testicular Cancer Myths

There are lots of myths surrounding cancers of all types.  Here the Mayo Clinic puts many of those myths to rest for good!  Cancer Myths Busted

Information and Recommended Links for Survivors:

• The type of treatment you can expect for your testicular cancer depends on the stage your disease is in.  Testicular Cancer Treatment By Stage
• Testicular cancer treatment options at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  Testicular Cancer Treatment At Sloan-Kettering
• No one treatment works for all types and stages of testicular cancer. Find out what all of your options are before you commit to a treatment plan.  Different Treatments for Different Types of Testicular Cancer

Types of Treatment

There are three main types of primary testicular cancer treatments: radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

• Radiation Therapy for Testicular Cancer
• Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer
• Surgery for Testicular Cancer
  

Possible Treatment Side Effects

Each of the three primary treatments for testicular cancer – radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery – has its own risks and possible side effects.

Radiation treatments can cause fatigue, loss of appetite, possible loss of hair, diarrhea or constipation.

Possible Side Effects of Radiation Treatments

Chemotherapy can cause an increase in the possibility of hair loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth sores and diarrhea.

Possible Side Effects of Chemotherapy

The removal of one or both testis can have a profound effect on a man. The good news is most men with testicular cancer do not have both testicles removed and some patients do not require any surgery at all.

Possible Side Effects of Surgery

Creating a support circle

• Set up your TSC Survivor Profile
• Join support groups of other survivors or set up your own
• Interact and provide updates on your profile or our forums.
  

Insurance & Work Matters

Insurance Matters

Regardless of what type of cancer you have, your health insurance should cover all or most of your expenses. Problems arise if you try to buy health insurance after you have a diagnosis of testicular cancer.  For more information on types of insurance and the coverage you might need, see:

Health Insurance & Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients

Work Matters

Employers may not ask a job applicant any specific questions regarding illnesses the applicant is currently being treated for or any past illnesses, including cancers.  For a list of specific questions and answers regarding cancer in the workplace please see:

Question & Answers about Employment Discrimination

Health-care Providers Who Can Help

Since there are only about 8,000 cases of testicular cancer each year in the U.S., most doctors have little experience with this disease.  The Testicular Cancer Resource Center has provided a list of doctors who are experienced with this particular disease.

Doctors Experienced With Testicular Cancer

The Emotional Roller-coaster

Your chances of surviving testicular cancer are quite good, especially if the cancer is detected early.  However, the emotional rollercoaster you may find yourself on during your diagnosis and treatment can still be rather devastating. Understand that you are not alone.  Tens of thousands of men in this country are in the same boat.  Many cancer sufferers break down under the stress of battling this disease. If you are feeling overwhelmed then it is vital that you start to break the patterns that define you as a victim. Live your life normally, and participate in the same daily activities you've always done. Support groups are also important to maintaining a healthy emotional state. Other than that, educating yourself on the reality of your condition as well as exposing yourself to books and stories written by those who have dealt with testicular cancer in their past can help give you and your loved ones hope while dealing with this crisis.

Books Survivors Recommend

• It’s Not About the Bike: The Lance Armstrong Story
  
• Climbing Back: A Journey with Cancer
• In the Country of Illness: Comfort & Advice   
  

Communicating with Your Health-care providers

Bring a friend or family member with you to your appointments. They are not only there to provide support but to lend an extra ear and to possibly ask questions you may not have thought of at the time. If you can’t bring a friend, bring a tape recorder.

Don't be afraid to ask any questions you feel you need the answer to, even if you may be scared of the answer. Ignorance is not your friend when you’re battling testicular cancer.

Write down any questions you may have ahead of time and the answers to those questions as your health-care provider walks you through them.  Don't be afraid to ask for clarification on anything.

Talking to Your Doctor

Dealing With Testicular Cancer: Information and Recommended Links for Co-Survivors:    

How you can help

• Be there for your friend or family member.  Let them know you care, that you still love them and that you are 100% behind their efforts to cure their condition.
• Maintain a normal daily routine as much as possible.  Allow the patient to make as many decisions as possible concerning his or her treatment.
• Involve your friend or family member with others. Don't focus exclusively on their disease and treatment plan. A testicular cancer patient who is involved with others has a better chance of avoiding feelings of abandonment.

What to say   

• "I will support your decision in whichever treatment option you choose."
• "Do you want to talk about it?"
• Tell them how much you care about them.

What not to say

• "Don't worry, we'll find a way to make this all go away."
• "We'll see every cancer doctor in the country and spend as much money as it will take to get you well."
• "I’ll handle everything; you won’t have to lift a finger."
  

Things you can do for a survivor every day

If the patient isn't a family member, help out when they are away by picking up the mail or newspaper, making meals, going grocery shopping, etc. If the patient is a family member, help out with chores or other duties they may have fallen behind on. Help them get their life back on track – and then step back and allow them to get on with their lives.

How to build a support network

• Set up your TSC Co-Survivor Profile
• Create a support group for your friend or family member.
• Interact and provide updates
  

How to help a recovering addict deal with day-to-day challenges

“When I found out I had testicular cancer I thought my world had come to an end.”

Approximately 90 percent of men with testicular cancer survive.  That’s a staggering figure considering that only 20 years ago approximately 80 percent of men with testicular cancer didn’t make it. Passing a 2-year cancer-free milestone is often akin to a clean bill of health – although it must be pointed out that someone who has had testicular cancer once is more susceptible to getting a new (not recurring) infection.

There is a great deal you can do at this point.  By telling your story you can not only put into perspective your thoughts and feelings but you can provide hope to others who are going through a similar journey themselves, whether it be with testicular cancer or another form of cancer.

Remission / Recovery / Recurrence  

While there is always the possibility of recurrence, treatments for testicular cancer have some of the highest success rates when it comes to curing this dreaded disease, in part because if caught early the disease is confined to a relatively small area. 


Recurrence is a possibility, and that sword hangs over every recovered cancer patient. In a small percentage of cases the second testis will develop cancer after the first is removed.  There is really little you can do to prevent testicular cancer.  This disease is so rare that little is known about it. About the only thing doctors know is that a family history of testicular cancer puts you at greater risk and that approximately 4% of the time testicular cancer strikes the same man twice.

What is The Treatment for Testicular Cancer Relapse?

Give back 


What helped you while you were dealing with your testicular cancer diagnosis? Take a look back at your journey and share with others what helped you and what you wished you would have known/done during your cancer experience. You can create a profile, reach out to other survivors, join support circles or share your story by following the links at TheSurvivorsClub.org.

For a Cause was the first U.S. charity designed specifically for male cancer problems.

For a Cause

What can you do when you find out your treatment for testicular cancer has failed or that you have relapsed? Many people simply refuse to deal with the possible consequences.  If you find out that your treatment has not taken effect it's important for you to understand what the consequences can be:

Dealing with Death: So Many Emotions