The impact and responses of men who have experienced testicular cancer

A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken with 32 men diagnosed with testicular cancer to determine their experiences of the illness and their support needs. Men were at one of the following four stages of their illness - early treatment, completion of treatment, 12 months following diagnosis or 2 years after diagnosis when they were disease-free. Results 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 were described - sensing the onset, recognising the epicentre, treatment decisions and emergency responses, registering the aftershocks, assessing the damage, and discovering health. Men also described stabilising forces that helped them cope, namely health professionals and personal supports. Recommendations for clinical practice are offered based on these findings.