PSYCHOSOCIAL ADJUSTMENT AFTER TESTICULAR CANCER-TREATMENT

Purpose: The high cure rate in testicular cancer has provoked investig ations relating to the quality of life in long-term survivors. We dete rmine the psychosocial consequences of the disease especially in regar d to sexual and professional performance. Materials and Methods: Among the testicular cancer patients treated with various treatment modalit ies 140 rendered free of disease for at least a year were included in this study. General Health Questionnaire 28 and a general survey were used to determine quality of life issues. Results: Regarding the sexua l life of these patients, problems related to libido, erection and eja culation increased significantly during treatment and subsequently rec overed but did not return to baseline after treatment. During treatmen t the frequency of sexual intercourse and/or masturbation decreased si gnificantly in all patients. Of the single patients 35% thought that m edical history would be a concern for the potential spouse. Regarding professional Lives, 22.4% thought that they had better performance aft er treatment compared to before therapy, whereas only 6.1% reported it to be worse. When professional performance was analyzed according to the treatment modalities those who had received radiotherapy did worse . General Health Questionnaire scores indicated that patients with thi s disease had a positive view of Life compared to that of the normal p opulation. Conclusions: Although we observed a substantial recovery in sexual life after treatment, it was evident that therapy did have a n egative effect on sexual functions. There was no effect on occupationa l performance and perspective of life, which may be related to the fac t of having overcome a life threatening disease.