Lifestyle Changes to Manage Testicular Cancer

Quitting Smoking

Smoking is a known risk for many cancers and other health disorders. It can also increase the risk of problems from medical procedures and slow tissue healing.

Quitting smoking helps the body start to repair itself right away. Quitting will help boost the immune system. This helps fight the cancer and improves recovery from treatment.

Lowering the Risk of Infection

Cancer and its treatments can make it hard to fight infections. Infections may happen more often. Common infections, like a cold or the flu may be more severe. The risk of infection may be lowered by:

• Washing hands thoroughly and often—or using hand sanitizer
• Avoiding crowds, especially during cold and flu season
• Not touching the eyes, mouth, and nose—after touching surfaces or objects
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects often
• Getting all vaccines advised by the doctor such as those for theflu

Changing Eating Habits

A healthful diet can help tissue heal and recover. It can also improve mood and overall energy.

Cancer and some cancer treatments can make it hard for people to eat. It is important to eat foods that are high in nutrients. A registered dietitian can help a person manage these challenges. They can also make an effective meal plan.

Exercise Regularly

Managing Tiredness

Feeling tired is a common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and its treatments. Some things that can help are:

• Doing the most important tasks first
• Letting others help with daily chores, shopping, and meals
• Planning time for rest throughout the day, if needed
• Talking to the doctor—if being tired is affecting quality of life

Seeking Support

A cancer diagnosis is stressful. People often worry about having a serious disease or how they will feel during treatment. There are also lifestyle changes to consider. Having support from family, friends, and others can help ease stress. Some other sources of support are:

• Religious community
• Support groups for people with the same type of cancer
• Mental health professionals who are trained in cancer support

Family and caregivers may also need support. Support groups or counseling can help them.

Comfort Measures

Testicular cancer found in later stages can be harder to treat.

Some people choose treatments to ease cancer symptoms. Others choose to stop treatment completely. Depending on the outlook, it may be time to look at end-of-life planning. This may include:

• Choosing home or hospice care
• Money decisions
• Advance directives, which include:
  • Legal issues, like wills
  • Hospital orders for care
  • Power of attorney for health care and money management
• Insurance coverage

Some healthcare and other trained professionals can offer guidance.