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Talking to Your Healthcare Provider About Testicular Cancer

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Talking to Your Healthcare Provider About Testicular Cancer

You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with testicular cancer. By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.

Tips for Getting Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier to talk to your doctor:

  • Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to give more details.
  • Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing.
  • Ask for help if you need it. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.

Tips for Getting Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier to talk to your doctor:

  • Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to give more details.
  • Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing.
  • Ask for help if you need it. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

About Your Risk of Developing Testicular Cancer

  • What should I do about an undescended testicle?
  • How great is my risk from having had:
    • A hernia/hydrocele as a child?
    • Mumps in my testicles as an adolescent?
  • Are my brothers or sons at risk for testicular cancer now?

About Lumps or Abnormalities You Find

  • Is it likely to be an infection that can be treated? Or do I need to have tests?
  • What type of tests can help find this information?

About Treatment Options

  • What treatments are available for me?
  • What are the risks and benefits?
  • What if I want to have children? How will my fertility be affected? What can I do about it?
  • Can you tell me about staging? What treatments can help me?
  • Are there any new treatments?
  • Are there any alternative or complementary therapies I should consider?

About Lifestyle Changes

  • How will the treatment affect my lifestyle? For how long?
  • Should I plan for time off from work?
  • Will I still be able to have sex?
  • Will I be able to ride a bike or participate in other sports?
  • Do I need to make changes in how I eat?

About Outlook

  • Is my cancer curable?
  • Could cancer come back in my other testicle?

References

  • Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor.
  • Questions to ask your doctor about cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/questions.
  • Testicular cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/testicular-cancer.
  • Questionsto ask about testicular cancer? American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html.

Contributors

  • Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.