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A controlled study of risk factors for disease and current problems in long-term testicular cancer survivors

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Abstract

Introduction

To compare risk factors for disease and current problems in long-term testicular cancer survivors (TCSs) and age-matched population-based controls (NORMs).

Methods

The study was cross-sectional and concerned 1,291 Norwegian TCSs followed up after a mean of 11 years, and 6,455 NORMs. Both TCSs and NORMs completed questionnaires and had a clinical examination. Indices for risk factors and current problems were calculated. Outcome measures were: visits to general practitioners last year, poor self-rated health, and poor quality of life (QoL).

Results

The mean risk score was significantly lower and the mean current problem score significantly higher in TCSs compared to NORMs without reaching clinical significance. The risk for future fatal cardiac events did not differ between the groups. TCSs had a higher risk for visiting a general practitioner than NORMs (OR 3.58, 95% CI 3.09–4.15), while no significant difference was observed for self-rated health. Poor QoL in TCSs was significantly associated with more current problems than risk factors. Previous treatment for mental problems, presence of severe somatic disease and musculo-skeletal problems were significantly associated with all three outcome measures. Musculo-skeletal problems were most strongly associated with visits to general practitioners among TCSs.

Conclusions

Several risk factors for preventive clinical interventions and current problems that eventually should be treated were identified in TCSs.

Implications for cancer survivors

TCSs show several risk factors and current problems that are relevant for visits to general practitioners, poorer self-rated health, and poorer QoL. These should get attention from health personnel caring for TCSs.

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Acknowledgment

The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (The HUNT Study) is a collaboration between HUNT Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU, Verdal), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, and Nord-Trøndelag County Council.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, 75142, Uppsala, Sweden

    Christian Falk Dahl

  2. Department of Oncology, University of Tromsø, 9037, Tromsø, Norway

    Hege Sagstuen Haugnes & Roy Bremnes

  3. Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, 5007, Bergen, Norway

    Olav Dahl

  4. The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0310, Oslo, Norway

    Sophie D. Fosså & Alv A. Dahl

  5. Faculty Division the Norwegian Radium Hospital, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway

    Sophie D. Fosså & Alv A. Dahl

  6. Department of Oncology, Saint Olav’s Hospital, National University for Science and Technology, 7030, Trondheim, Norway

    Olbjørn Klepp

  7. The Cancer Center, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevaal, University of Oslo, 0407, Oslo, Norway

    Erik Wist

  8. Department of Clinical Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, 0310, Oslo, Norway

    Alv A. Dahl

Authors
  1. Christian Falk Dahl
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  2. Hege Sagstuen Haugnes
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  3. Roy Bremnes
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  4. Olav Dahl
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  5. Sophie D. Fosså
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  6. Olbjørn Klepp
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  7. Erik Wist
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  8. Alv A. Dahl
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Correspondence to Alv A. Dahl.

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Dahl, C.F., Haugnes, H.S., Bremnes, R. et al. A controlled study of risk factors for disease and current problems in long-term testicular cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 4, 256–265 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-010-0133-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-010-0133-y

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