A cancer diagnosis usually comes as a surprise, and it is completely normal for those affected to experience feelings of fear and anxiety. Once the initial shock has subsided, most individuals diagnosed with testicular cancer gradually find their own way to cope with the situation.
Even though feelings of uncertainty and constant thoughts about the illness may not completely go away, there are several effective ways to manage them more successfully:
-
Inform yourself thoroughly about testicular cancer so that you feel confident and comfortable with your treatment decision.
Write down all your questions to be well prepared for your next medical appointment.
Ask your doctor or a member of your care team to recommend reliable sources of trustworthy and useful information. -
Take care of yourself
Actively support your health even before treatment begins. Focus on a balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Getting enough sleep is especially important. Try to eliminate unnecessary stress so you can concentrate fully on your recovery. Aim to be physically active on most days of the week. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible. Your doctor can support you with medications and strategies to help you stop smoking. -
Connect with others affected by testicular cancer
Reach out to (former) cancer patients in your community or join a support group. In Austria, you can contact the Austrian Cancer Society (Österreichische Krebshilfe) for information on support groups near you. -
Stay close to your friends and family
Your loved ones care deeply about your well-being and want to help. Accept their support — for example, if they offer to drive you to appointments or run errands for you. Close friends and family members can also be a source of comfort, whether you want to talk about your fears and feelings or simply seek distraction.