It will take time to recover from the physical and emotional changes caused by treatment for testicular cancer. Side effects may last from a few weeks to a few months or, in some cases, years or permanently.
Learn more about:
For ways to reduce or manage side effects, talk to your treatment team and see the suggestions below.
Ways to look after your health after treatment
Many people live a long time after treatment for testicular cancer. Finding ways to look after yourself can improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of developing more serious long-term side effects.
Regular exercise can help improve mood, heart health, energy levels and muscle strength. Whatever your age or fitness level, a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can develop an exercise program to meet your needs. Ask your doctor for a referral.
Exercise after a cancer diagnosis includes examples of different aerobic, strength-training and flexibility exercises.
To reduce the risk of weight gain and high cholesterol, aim to eat a balanced diet with a variety of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and protein-rich foods. It may help to see a dietitian for advice.
If you have ongoing side effects after cancer treatment, talk to your GP about developing a chronic disease management plan to help you manage the condition. This means you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for up to 5 visits each calendar year to allied health professionals.
For more on this, see Living well after cancer.
→ READ MORE: Short-term side effects
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Key resource
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More resources
Dr Benjamin Thomas, Urological Surgeon, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The University of Melbourne, VIC; A/Prof Ben Tran, Genitourinary Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and The University of Melbourne, VIC; Dr Nari Ahmadi, Urologist and Urological Cancer Surgeon, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Helen Anderson, Genitourinary Cancer Nurse Navigator, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Anita Cox, Youth Cancer – Cancer Nurse Coordinator, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Dr Tom Ferguson, Medical Oncologist, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Dr Leily Gholam Rezaei, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW; Dheeraj Jain, Consumer; Amanda Maple, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Jessica Medd, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Department of Urology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital and Headway Health, NSW.
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