CN68 - From surviving cancer to getting on with life: Adult testicular germ cell tumor survivors’ perspectives on transition from follow-up care to long-term survivorship

Background

With an increasing incidence and a high cure rate, a growing number of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) survivors require specialized follow-up care. However, knowledge of these patients’ needs is lacking, leaving TGCT survivors with unmet care needs at risk of symptom burden when transitioning to long-term survivorship. This study aimed to explore TGCT survivors’ perspectives and how they construct their realities through their lived experiences on their journey to long-term survivorship.

Methods

Grounded theory methodology was chosen to explore TGCT survivors’ perspectives on the transition toward long-term survivorship and construct a model grounded in and derived from the data. An iterative data gathering and analysis process was used to develop a theoretical explanation of the transition process.TGCT survivors were purposefully selected and in-depth semi-structured interviewed. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed by constant comparison.

Results

A total of twelve TGCT survivors were interviewed. The central category “Dealing with back-and-forth forces” represents the core of TGCT survivors in coping with the transition from follow-up care to long-term survivorship. Two comparative processes in dealing with those forces were identified: the process of Living beyond the sword of Damocles involved the transition from feeling threatened by cancer to overcoming those threats; the process of Getting on with one’s life can be described as transitioning from a period where cancer overruled their lives to carrying on with everyday life. The processes toward long-term survivorship follow general characteristics; the transition itself is an individual journey that depends on (life) experiences.

Conclusions

The constructed model can guide healthcare professionals and researchers involved in TGCT survivorship to understand TGCT survivors’ individual and ensuing needs. When TGCT survivors receive individualized and tailored follow-up care, it can assist in preventing and reducing long-term and late effects on long-term survivorship.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.