Quality of life after treatment for testicular cancer--the patient's view

Eur J Cancer. 1990 Mar;26(3):291-4. doi: 10.1016/0277-5379(90)90224-h.

Abstract

Twenty-eight patients cured of testicular cancer by cisplatin-based chemotherapy were asked for their own views of the long-term psychological and social effects of their treatment. Their views were compared with a group of 34 testicular cancer patients cured by radiotherapy who were matched for age, social class and time since treatment. A category rating type questionnaire was used with questions concerning general health, subjective side-effects of treatment, employment, relationships, reproduction and mood. The principal differences were (1) the chemotherapy group reported a greater prevalence of physical side-effects, (2) the radiotherapy group reported greater anxiety and depression since treatment and (3) a significant number of patients in the chemotherapy group felt that their illness had had beneficial effects on their relationships with family and friends.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Dysgerminoma / drug therapy
  • Dysgerminoma / psychology
  • Dysgerminoma / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patients / psychology*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Teratoma / drug therapy
  • Teratoma / psychology
  • Teratoma / radiotherapy
  • Testicular Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Testicular Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / radiotherapy