Quality of Life of Testicular Cancer Survivors

Men who are diagnosed with testicular cancer are generally young. As a consequence of the treatment they receive nowadays, they are likely to cure from the disease, even when they have metastases. This means that they have to live with possible short- and long-term sequel of diagnosis and treatment for many years. Survivors who do not have the resources necessary to cope with such physical and psychosocial sequel, may find it more difficult to adjust to their altered life situation and experience an impaired quality of life. These men might need professional assistance to enhance their skills to competently manage their lives as a cancer survivor. Yet, how do health care providers know which testicular cancer survivor is at risk for distress and might benefit from an intervention? Therefore, it is needed to investigate factors predictive of quality of life, in order to detect and refer at risk individuals to an appropriate intervention. The aim of this thesis was to examine the quality of life of testicular cancer survivors and to identify risk factors for an impaired quality of life. Zie: Summar