What it means to be diagnosed with Testicular Cancer

As we come to the end of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, it’s worth taking some time to fully understand what it means to be diagnosed with TC and to further understand the various treatment options.
Receiving a Testicular Cancer diagnosis can be extremely difficult, and it helps to have a plan in place before you visit your doctor. This plan will help you prepare for the best- and worst-case scenarios.
Remember, it is essential to understand that you’re not alone if you receive a TC diagnosis. To date, loads of men have been diagnosed with TC and have gone on to obtain safe, effective treatments that address their cancer symptoms.
To help you cope with TC during your treatment and recovery, you may want to consider any of the following:
- Learn as much as you can. TC is complicated, and it may help write down questions about TC to ask your doctor. Remember, knowledge is power, and the more you learn about all aspects of TC, the better off you are to make informed decisions about how you and your doctor will treat this disease.
- Make healthy choices. Sticking to a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables can make a world of difference for beginning a TC treatment program. Along with maintaining a nutritious diet, you should also exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and do whatever you can to alleviate stress. With a healthy lifestyle, you’ll be better positioned to overcome TC.
- Get in touch with other TC survivors, because let’s face it – TC is pretty scary, and it may be tough to share your cancer experiences with family members, friends, and other loved ones. Fortunately, there are many TC survivor groups available throughout the world. Once you meet with fellow survivors or a support group, you cannot only share your cancer experiences but also seek advice from people who know fully what you’re going through.
- Remember to keep loved ones up to date as they are there for you in both the good times and bad, and they want to help you in any way they can. So you should never hesitate to ask for assistance and keep them informed as you undergo your cancer treatment.
The Different Treatment Options for Testicular Cancer
If you are diagnosed with Testicular cancer, the good news is that there is no shortage of treatments available, and standard treatment options include:
Surgery: With surgery, a doctor will remove a patient’s cancerous testicle. Once the surgery is completed, the healthy testicle will produce more testosterone and sperm to make up for what was lost with the removal. Most men will continue to have an erection, and surgery does not affect a man’s ability to procreate or his sexual performance.
However, if damage occurs to specific nerves during surgery or there is a need to remove the lymph nodes, a patient may experience what is known as a dry orgasm. This instance means the orgasm may not be as intense or as pleasurable as it was before surgery.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used to treat many different forms of cancer. It involves using a medication or series of harsh drugs to slow down or stop the cancer cells from growing. Known as a type of systemic therapy, Chemotherapy may impact various areas of the body. As a result, some men may experience infertility or feel little to no desire to have sex after chemotherapy treatments.
Furthermore, the higher the dose of Chemotherapy, the greater the chance of becoming infertile. In some instances, a doctor may recommend a patient store sperm before starting chemotherapy treatments as preventative measures.
Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy involves using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells in the lymph nodes in the back of the abdomen and may be used in addition to or as an alternative to Chemotherapy. In most instances, it will not affect a man’s ability to engage in sexual intercourse or cause infertility.
Meeting with your doctor is essential before deciding on any of the TC treatment options listed here. By doing so, your doctor can learn about you, provide an accurate diagnosis, and suggest a personalised plan for providing long-term TC treatment.
Testicular Cancer continues to be treatable.
Fortunately, Testicular Cancer continues to be one of the most treatable cancers. So if you suspect you have any symptoms, don’t wait to get help. Schedule a doctor’s appointment immediately, and you can take the first step to receive the correct diagnosis and the necessary treatment.
About Cancer Pro
Cancer Pro is the voice of the world’s cancer physicians and oncology professionals in Malaysia and is the trusted compassionate resource for people with cancer, their families and caregivers. To understand more about all aspects of Testicular Cancer and the treatments available, please visit www.cancer-pro.com.