Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Sexual satisfaction, anxiety, depression and quality of life in testicular cancer survivors

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Medical Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We aimed to investigate anxiety, depression and sexual satisfaction levels of testicular cancer survivors (TCSs) and compare the scores with healthy men’s. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) and European Organization for Research on Treatment of Cancer Questionnaires Quality of Life-C30 were used. Forty-one TCSs and thirty-eight healthy men were participated in this study. The total HADs scores of TCSs (12.21 ± 8.19) were less than the healthy group (14.44 ± 6.53; p > 0.05). The high depression scores rate was 29.2 and 55.2, and high anxiety scores rate was 24.4 and 28.9 for TCSs and healthy group, respectively. When we evaluated GRISS subscores and anxiety levels, we found significantly increase only in avoidance subscores in the TCSs (p = 0.04). When we evaluated GRISS subscores and depression levels, GRISS subscores of the TCSs who had high depression scores were also high. However, statistical significance was found in satisfaction (p = 0.009), touch (p = 0.04), avoidance (p = 0.01) and erectile dysfunction (p = 0.04) subscores in the TCSs. In the TCSs whose anxiety scores were high, emotional functioning (p = 0.009) and global QoL (p = 0.01) subscores of GRISS was found significantly low. In the TCSs whose depression scores were high, physical (p = 0.01), cognitive (p = 0.04), emotional (p = 0.03), social functioning (p = 0.02) and global QoL (p < 0.001) subscores of GRISS were found significantly low. Anxiety, depression and sexual satisfaction levels of TCSs were found to be similar with the control population.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Shelley MD, Burgon K, Mason MD. Treatment of testicular germ-cell cancer: a Cochrane evidence-based systematic review. Cancer Treat Rev. 2002;28:237–53.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Nikzas D, Champion AE, Fox M. Germ cell tumors of testis: prognostic factors and results. Eur Urol. 1990;18:242–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Orre IJ, et al. Chronic cancer-related fatigue in long-term survivors of testicular cancer. J Psychosom Res. 2008;64(4):363–71.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Dahl A, Mykletun A, Fossa S. Quality of life in survivors of testicular cancer. Urol Oncol. 2005;23:193–200.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Fossa SD. Long-term sequelae after cancer therapy-survivorship after treatment for testicular cancer. Acta Oncol. 2004;43(2):134–41.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Harwas-Napierala B, Trempala J. (Human development psychology-Tom I.). Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN; Warszawa. Psychologia rozwoju czlowieka. 2002.

  7. Fegg MJ, Gerl A, Vollmer TC, Gruber U, Jost C, Meiler S, Hiddemann W. Subjective quality of life and sexual functioning after germ-cell tumour therapy. Br. Cancer. 2003;89(12):2202–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Jonker-Pool G, van de Wiel HB, Hoekstra HJ, Sleijfer DT, van Driel MF, van Basten JP. Schraffordt Koops HS. Sexual functioning after treatment for testicular cancer-review and meta-analysis of 36 empirical studies between 1975-2000. Arch Sex Behav. 2001;30(1):55–74.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Nazareth I, Lewin J, King M. Sexual dysfunction after treatment for testicular cancer: a systematic review. J Psychosom Res. 2001;51(6):735–43.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Van Basten JP, Hoekstra HJ, van Driel MF, Schraffordt Koops HS, Droste JHJ, Jonker-Pool G, van de Wiel HB, Sleijfer DT. Sexual dysfunction in nonseminoma testicular cancer patients is related to chemotherapy-induced angiopathy. J Clin Oncol. 1997;15(6):2442–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Van Basten JP, Jonker-Pool G, van Driel MF, Sleijfer DT, Droste JHJ, van de Wiel HB, Schraffordt Koops HS, Molenaar WM, Hoekstra HJ. Sexual functioning after multimodality treatment for disseminated nonseminomatous testicular germ-cell tumour. J Urol. 1997;158(4):1411–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Dahl AA, Haaland CF, Mykletun A, Bremnes R, Dahl O, Klepp O, et al. Study of anxiety disorder and depression in long-term survivors of testicular cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23:2389–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Manne S, Ostroff J, Sherman J, Glassman M, Ross S, Goldstein L, et al. Buffering effects of family and friend support on associations between partner unsupportive behaviors and coping among women with breast cancer. J Soc Pers Relat. 2003;20:771–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Rudberg L, Carlsson M, Nilsson S, et al. Self-perceived physical, psychologic and general symptoms in survivors of testicular cancer 3 to 13 years after treatment. Cancer Nurs. 2002;25:187–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Joly F, Heron J, Kalusinski L, et al. Quality of life in long-term survivors of testicular cancer: a population-based case-control study. J Clin Oncol. 2002;20:73–80.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Ozen H, Sahin A, Toklu C, et al. Psychosocial adjustment after testicular cancer treatment. J Urol. 1998;159:1947–50.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Kaasa S, Aass N, Mastekaasa A, et al. Psychosocial well-being in testicular cancer patients. Eur J Cancer. 1991;27:1091–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Arai Y, Kawakita M, Hida S, et al. Psychosocial aspects in long-term survivors of testicular cancer. J Urol. 1996;155:574–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Joly F, Heron JF, Kalusinski L, et al. Quality of life in long-term survivors of testicular cancer: a population-based case-control study. J Clin Oncol. 2002;20:73–80.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Rust J, Golombok S. The GRISS: a psychometric instrument for the assessment of sexual dysfunction. Arch Sex Behav. 1986;15:157–65.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Aydemir Ö. Hastane Anksiyete ve Depresyon Ölçeği Türkçe formunun geçerlilik ve güvenilirlik çalışması. Türk Psikiyatri Dergisi. 1997;8:280–7.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Rust J, Golombok S. The GRISS: a psychometric instrument for the assessment of sexual dysfunc-tion. Arch Sex Behav. 1986;15:157–65.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Tuğrul C, Öztan N, Kabakçı E. Golombok-Rust Cinsel Doyum Ölçeği’nin standardizasyon çalış-ması. Türk Psikiyatri Dergisi. 1993;4:83–8.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Aaronson NK, Ahmedzai S, Bergman B, Bullinger M, Cull A, Duez NJ, Filiberti A, Flechtner H, Fleishman SB, de HaesJC KS, Klee M, Osoba D, Razavi D, Rofe PB, Schraub S, Sneeuw K, Sullivan M, Takeda F. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-c30: a quality of life instrument for use in international clinical trials in oncology. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1993;85:365–76.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Fayers P, Aaronson N, Bjordal K, Groenvold M, Curran D, Bottomley A. EORTC QLQ-C30 Scoring Manual, In third edition ed, 2001.

  26. Moynihan C. Testicular Cancer: the psychosocial problems of patients and their relatives. Cancer Surv. 1987;6:477–510.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Jones GY, Payne S. Searching for safety signals: The experience of medical surveillance among men with testicular teratomas. Psychooncology 2000.

  28. Fossa SD, Aass N, Ous S, et al. Long-term morbidity and quality of life in testicular cancer patients. Scand J Urol Nephrol. 1991;138:S241–6.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Jonker-Pool G, Van de Wiel HBM, Hoekstra HJ, et al. Sexual functioning after treatment for testicular cancer–Review and meta-analysis of 36 empirical studies between 1975–2000. Arch Sex Behav. 2001;30(1):55–74.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Tinkler SD, Howard GCW, Kerr GR. Sexual morbidity following radiotherapy for germ cell tumors of the testis. Radiat Oncol. 1992;25(3):207–12.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Jonker-Pool G, van Basten JP, Hoekstra HJ, et al. Sexual functioning after treatment for testicular cancer. Cancer. 1997;80(3):454–64.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Rieker PP, Fitzgerald EM, Kalish LA. Adaptive behavioral responses to potential infertility among survivors of testis cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1990;8:347–55.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Heidenreich A, Hofmann R. Quality of Life issues in the treatment of testicular cancer. World J Urol. 1999;17(4):230–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Nord C, et al. Gonadal hormones in long-term survivors 10 years after treatment for unilateral testicular cancer. Eur Urol. 2003;44(3):322–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Fegg M, et al. Subjective quality of life and sexual functioning after germ-cell tumour therapy. Br J Cancer. 2003;89(12):2202–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Kuczyk M, et al. Sexual function and fertility after treatment of testicular cancer. Curr Opin Urol. 2000;10(5):473–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Fegg MJ, Gerl A, Vollmer TC. Subjective quality of life and sexual functioning after germ cell tumour therapy. Br J Cancer. 2003;89:2202–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Vidrine DJ, Gritz ER. Psychosocial outcomes after testicular cancer treatment. In: Steele Jr GD, Philips TL, Chabner BA, Gansler YS, editors. Germ cell tumours-American Cancer Society atlas of clinical oncology. Hamilton, London: BC Decker Ine; 2003. p. 295–305.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Jonker-Pool G, van-Basten JP, Hoekstra HJ, et al. Sexual functioning after treatment for testicular cancer: comparison of treatment modalities. Cancer. 1997;80:454–64.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Fleer J, Hoekstra HJ, Sleijfer TD. Quality of life survivors of testicular germ cell cancer: a review of the literature. Support Care Cancer. 2004;12:476–86.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Mykletun A, Dahl CF, Haaland R, Bremnes O, Dahl O, Klepp E, et al. Side effects and cancer-related stress determine quality of life in long-term survivors of testicular cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23:3061–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Conflict of interest

None.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Oncology Clinic, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir Katip Celebi University, 35360, Izmir, Turkey

    Ahmet Alacacioglu, Eda Ulger, Umut Varol, Murat Akyol, Yasar Yildiz, Ibrahim Yildiz, Vedat Bayoglu, Ahmet Dirican, Lutfiye Demir, Tarik Salman, Yuksel Kucukzeybek & Mustafa Oktay Tarhan

  2. Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey

    Tugba Yavuzsen

  3. Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey

    Inci Alacacioglu

  4. Family Medicine, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey

    Huseyin Can

Authors
  1. Ahmet Alacacioglu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Eda Ulger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Umut Varol
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Tugba Yavuzsen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Murat Akyol
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Yasar Yildiz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Ibrahim Yildiz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Vedat Bayoglu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Ahmet Dirican
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Lutfiye Demir
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. Tarik Salman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  12. Yuksel Kucukzeybek
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  13. Inci Alacacioglu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  14. Huseyin Can
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  15. Mustafa Oktay Tarhan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ahmet Alacacioglu.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Alacacioglu, A., Ulger, E., Varol, U. et al. Sexual satisfaction, anxiety, depression and quality of life in testicular cancer survivors. Med Oncol 31, 43 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-014-0043-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-014-0043-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation