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Quality of Life in Long-Term Survivors of Testicular Cancer: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

From the Groupe Régional d’Etudes sur le Cancer (EA-1772), University of Caen-Basse, Normandie; Medical Oncology Department, Centre François Baclesse; Urology Department, University Hospital; and General Cancer Registry, Centre François Baclesse, Caen, France.

Address reprint requests to Florence Joly, MD, Medical Oncology Department, Centre François Baclesse, 14076 Caen Cedex 5, France; email f.joly{at}baclesse.fr

PURPOSE: To evaluate quality of life and social problems in long-term survivors of testicular cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 1998, 71 testicular cancer survivors (cases) identified from the Calvados General Tumor Registry were enrolled onto a case-control study. One hundred nineteen healthy control subjects (controls), matched by age and location of residence, were selected at random from electoral rolls. Three self-administered questionnaires were used: two health-related quality-of-life questionnaires (Short Form-36 and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 core questionnaires) and one life situation questionnaire. Specific questions concerning sexuality were also added.

RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 11 years, health-related quality-of-life scores did not differ significantly between cases and controls, nor did general symptom scores. Psychosocial problems were reported equally by cases and controls. Cases reported more modification of sexual life (P = .04) with decreased sexual enjoyment (P < .01), decreased desire (P = .02), and infertility (P < .01). Cases did not report more divorce than controls; they reported fewer changes in relationships with friends (P = .03). Although a similar proportion of cases and controls were at work, cases expressed less ambitious professional plans (P = .002). Cases had greater difficulty in borrowing from banks (P < .001).

CONCLUSION: French long-term survivors of testicular cancer do not express more impairment of health-related quality of life or familial or professional life in comparison with healthy men. They did have more sexual life problems and found difficulty in borrowing from banks. This information should be used by practitioners to help their patients cope with their disease and return to normal life.

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