Abstract 11P
Background
Testicular cancer (TC) is highly curable cancer commonly diagnosed at a younger age [1]. A high cure rate may come at a cost of late side effects potentially having a negative impact on social, economic and sexual wellbeing [2]. We conducted this study to determine the prevalence and severity of this effect on TC survivors in Ireland. 1. Kusler, K.A. and J.N. Poynter, International testicular cancer incidence rates Cancer Epidemiology, 2018. 56; 2. Kerns, S.L., et al., Relationship of Cisplatin-Related Adverse Health Outcomes With Disability and Unemployment Among Testicular Cancer Survivors. JNCI Cancer Spectr, 2020. 4(4).
Methods
Patients attending the testicular survivorship clinic at Tallaght University Hospital Dublin were requested to fill out a survey questionnaire to determine the severity of the impact of testicular cancer on fertility, socioeconomic and sexual health using a five point Likert scale.
Results
A total of 83 patients completed our survey questionnaire. Respondents reported that TC had a major impact on personal financial goals with 42% stating a minor to very significant impact. Career choices and job stability remained intact for almost 70% patients but performance at work was affected in 41% participants. One third of patients reported minor to very significant effect on their relationship with their partner. Around 30% of patients reported minor to very significant effect on erectile function and ejaculation. Satisfaction with sexual activity was affected in 39% patients. TC affected the libido in almost half of the patients while 20% reported an effect on their ability to find a new partner. Among participants 34% had children after TC and 17% reported seeking medical assistance for conception.
Table: 11P
| No effect (%) | Minor effect (%) | Moderate effect (%) | Significant effect (%) | Very significant effect (%) | Blank (%) | |
| Performance/productivity at work | 58 | 18 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 1 |
| Job stability/security | 72 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 10 | 2 |
| Career choices | 71 | 1 | 13 | 4 | 10 | 1 |
| Personal financial goals | 57 | 13 | 14 | 4 | 11 | 1 |
| Relationship with your partner | 64 | 10 | 12 | 7 | 6 | 1 |
| Body image perception | 53 | 18 | 17 | 10 | 2 | 0 |
| Finding new partner | 80 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 4 |
| Libido (sex drive, interest in sex) | 54 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 6 | 0 |
| Erection | 70 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 6 | 0 |
| Ejaculation | 71 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 11 | 1 |
| Satisfaction with sexual activity | 61 | 16 | 5 | 12 | 6 | 0 |
Conclusions
A significant number of young TC survivors are enduring the negative sequelae of TC on their social, financial and sexual health. More studies are needed to identify at risk population and also more supports are required to cater their needs.
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.