Testicular cancer survivors, especially those younger than 40, reported increased symptoms of anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction, compared with those without a history of cancer, according to recent results.
At all stages of the disease, testicular cancer has been highly curable for many years, study co-author Dr. Bagrodia explained in an interview with CURE®. Nevertheless, mental and physical side effects can follow patients to survivalnegatively impacting their quality of life.
“While it’s wonderful that we can cure the vast majority of these young people, the impact of diagnosis and treatment is profound and can affect almost every aspect of their life,” said Bagrodia, an associate professor and team leader in genitourinary oncology at the University of California, San Diego.
He and the researchers administered 143 surveys to testicular cancer survivors to self-report sexual function and mood. The results, which were presented at the 22nd annual meeting of the Society for Urologic Oncology, showed that survivors reported increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction without reduced sexual interest, compared with those with no history of cancer.
Some may experience these symptoms because they are in what Bagrodia described as “the prime of their lives,” as the most common age for a testicular cancer diagnosis is between 20 and 40. Many may be starting a career, high school, or a family, all of which can be affected by a testicular cancer diagnosis.
Of note, younger men (ages 20-39) reported higher symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to men older than 40.
“Of course, I think that older men and men with a cancer diagnosis, and women actually do experience some degree of anxiety, depression (and) sexual side effects,” she added. “But I think it’s really just being in that phase of your life where you’re working, or you’re just starting to work, you’re potentially in school, you’ve potentially just started a family, maybe you’re not as financially independent or free. . That (everything) can exacerbate things, (that) would be my sense (of it)”.
Additionally, men who underwent a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (a procedure to remove abdominal lymph nodes to treat testicular cancer) reported increased symptoms of depression compared with those who did not. And those who received chemotherapy demonstrated worse symptoms of sexual dysfunction and depression compared with those who did not receive chemotherapy.
Bagrodia advised testicular cancer survivors experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or sexual dysfunction to report to your doctor.
“If you are experiencing anxiety, depression or sexual side effects from your testicular cancer diagnosis or treatment, you are not alone,” he said. “In reality, these are generally very manageable situations through allopathic counseling and interventions. (Patients) need to notify their providers because we can intervene with mental health support services for some of the reasons for anxiety, depression, financial toxicity, low testosterone and potentially help you out a bit.”
Bagrodia added that patients can seek help for these symptoms regardless of where they are on their cancer journey.
“Even if you’re away (from treatment) and cured, it’s worth discussing this with your cancer care team, as well as your primary medical provider, because you don’t necessarily have to live with this for the rest of your life.” said.
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