When we talk about testicular cancer (TC), the focus is often on self-examination and early detection — and for good reason. Early diagnosis leads to survival rates exceeding 95%. But what happens after treatment?
Survivorship is rarely discussed, yet many men face long-term physical and psychological challenges following treatment. Up to 30% of survivors experience Post-Orchiectomy Pain Syndrome (POPS), chronic pelvic pain, or neuropathy from chemotherapy, often accompanied by sexual dysfunction and fertility concerns. The emotional toll is equally profound — anxiety, depression, and PTSD affect nearly 1 in 3 survivors, with persistent fear of recurrence contributing to ongoing distress.
This Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, let’s start a conversation about life after cancer. Survivors need more than just early detection; they need comprehensive post-treatment care — including pelvic floor therapy, pain management, lymphoedema and scar tissue management, neuromuscular re-education, and psychosocial support — to reclaim their quality of life.
Specialised practitioners like Trent Renshaw from Coffs Coast Sports Physiotherapy play a key role in supporting survivors. Trent manages genital lymphoedema through manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercise, and skin care, while his expertise in oncology massage and scar therapy addresses scarring, fibrosis, and chronic pain that can persist after treatment, enhancing recovery and restoring tissue function.
This Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, let’s go beyond early detection and advocate for holistic post-treatment care. I encourage everyone to support the important work of Movember, ANZUP Trials and Cancer Council in raising awareness and providing essential resources for men affected by testicular cancer.
