Completed Research Project
The impact of testicular cancer
Investigators: Kristjanson
LJ & Ng C.
Funding: Australian Research Council ($20,000).
Abstract: Although testicular cancer has a high cure rate with approximately 95% of patients obtaining long-term survival, psychological and physical morbidity may continue for many years. A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken using open-ended semi-structured interviews with 32 men who had been diagnosed with testicular cancer, to determine their experiences of coping with the illness and their support needs. Men were recruited from two Australian states. They were at one of four stages of their illness: early treatment; at completion of their treatment; 12 months following diagnosis; and two years after diagnosis when they were disease-free. Results from this study revealed an emotionally, socially and physically intense series of phases that men experienced as they coped with the discovery, knowledge, treatment and recovery from testicular cancer. The impact of testicular cancer on the men and their responses were best described using the metaphor of an earthquake. Six phases in coping with the illness were described: “sensing the onset”; “recognising the epicenter”; “treatment decisions and actions”; “aftershock and attendant damage”; “assessing the damage”; and “discovering health”. As well, men described “stabilising forces” or sources of support that helped them cope with the assault of testicular cancer. These “stabilising forces” were characterised as coming from two sources: health professionals and personal supports. Recommendations for clinical practice are offered based on these findings.
