Testicular Cancer Survivors Face Long Term Health Risks From Treatments

Oslo, Norway (AHN) – According to researchers testicular cancer survivors can face an increased risk of long-term illness, not because of the actual disease and tumor but rather the highly effective medical treatment they receive.

Researchers at the Norwegian Radium Hospital at the University of Oslo conducted the study and through their research uncovered that the number of problems faced by survivors are higher than generally thought. What makes their findings interesting is typically clinicians only report those that are life-threatening or require medical intervention.

The findings published in a November issue of BJUI show that nearly a quarter of survivors develop long-term neurological, hearing and circulation problems and they are twice as likely to develop a secondary cancer. However, the typical concern that men and their families fear is fertility. The study found that 80 percent of the subjects who attempted to become fathers after treatment are successful.

“Patients can suffer considerable mental distress after having one testicle removed due to cancer, but this gradually decreases with treatment” says lead author Professor Sophie D Fossa.

“Gastrointestinal side-effects are common during both chemotherapy and radiotherapy and chemotherapy carries added risks like infections and blood clots. Long-term problems include secondary cancers, heart problems, and conditions related to lower hormone levels.

The study concludes with the researchers suggestions to reducing the short and long-term health complications of survivors. They adamantly propose reducing risks by smoking cessation, increasing physical activity and promoting weight reduction.

They also suggest patients should stick to an adequate follow-up protocol with their health providers to lessen the risk of developing life-threatening toxicity.

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