Testicular cancer resources and support organisations
There are lots of organisations, support groups, books, videos and other resources to help you cope with testicular cancer and its treatment.
Cancer Research UK information and support
Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world outside the USA. We fund research on all aspects of cancer from its causes to prevention and treatment.
We are committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer. As well as looking at the information on this website you can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send them a question online.
Cancer Chat is our online forum where you can share experiences.
Support organisations
These organisations give you support through all stages of testicular cancer and its treatment.
Orchid hosts a forum for people affected by men's cancers.
Tel: 0808 802 0010 (helpline) or 0203 745 7310
Email: nurse@orchid-cancer.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical, medical and financial support to people with cancer in the UK. Its helpline gives guidance on cancer and advice on benefits. It also publishes booklets about cancer and treatments. Information is available in other languages.
Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm)
Contact email form
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the US organisation for cancer research. It has information about all types of cancer.
Teenage Cancer Trust is a national charity providing specialist units, expert staff, support events, education and information for 13-24 year olds diagnosed with cancer, and their friends and families.
Teenage Cancer Trust also work closely with healthcare professionals and researchers to lead the way on developing cancer care for teenagers and young adults.
Teenage Cancer Trust
The Place
175 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7AA
Phone: 020 7612 0370
Email: hello@teenagecancertrust.org
Healthtalk.org
Provides free, reliable information about health issues including mental health, by sharing people's real-life experiences.
Help with sex life and relationships
Relate
Relate offers private and confidential counselling, and psychosexual therapy to help with relationship problems. They provide counselling over the phone, through a webcam or face to face at a Relate centre. Clients are asked to contribute towards the cost of their counselling sessions according to their income.
Switchboard LGBT+ helpline
Switchboard provides an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people - and anyone considering issues around their sexuality or gender identity. Their helpline is open every day between 10am and 10pm. They also offer a chat and email service.
PO Box 7324
London
N1 9QS
Phone number: 0800 0119 100 open from 10 am to 10 pm every day
Email: hello@switchboard.lgbt
Books about testicular cancer and treatment
Lance Armstrong
Yellow Jersey, 2001
ISBN 0224060872
The story of how the cyclist Lance Armstrong overcame testicular cancer and went on to win the Tour de France. The book covers his treatment and how cancer affected his life, up to his recovery and the birth of his son.
L Armstrong and S Jenkins
Broadway Books, 2004
ISBN 9780767914482
The continuation of Lance Armstrong's story of overcoming testicular cancer.
Dr Ian Banks
J.H. Haynes & Co Ltd, 2012
ISBN 1844256162
Written by a doctor, the Haynes Workshop Manual is an optimistic book, featuring hints and tips for a healthy lifestyle as well as easy to understand information on cancers affecting men.
Dr Steve Carroll
Which? Books, 2003
ISBN 0852029594
A general guide including information on how the male body works and common health problems in men. It covers physical, sexual and emotional health including coping with stress, and there is a small section on testicular cancer. There is also a useful list of self-help groups.
S Hollins and J Wilson
Beyond Words, 2004
ISBN 1904671055
This book is for people with a learning disability. There is information about reading material for people with learning disabilities and cancer in our question and answer section. The book covers testicular self examination, seeing your GP, looking after your testicles and early investigations that you may need if your doctor thinks you could have a problem with them. It doesn’t have information on testing for cancer or treatment for testicular cancer. You can obtain a copy of this book from The Royal College of Psychiatrists website.
James Gilbaugh
Simon and Schuster, 2008
ISBN 0743213440
A general guide to men's health issues, including common fears and anxieties and guidelines for maintaining good health.
Karen A WcWhirt
Outskirts Press, 2010
ISBN 9781432748678
The personal story of a 19 year old American man who was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer and died. It tells of how difficult the treatment was for him. He asked his mother to write the book so that other men would be more aware of testicular cancer and could avoid going through what he had to do.
Books about cancer
A Ko, E Rosenbaum and M Dollinger
Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2009
ISBN 9780740786310
The author and contributors of this book are all American cancer specialists. The book covers how cancer is diagnosed, treated and managed day to day.
Dr Terry Priestman
Sheldon Press, 2009
ISBN 978-1847090805
Gives information about chemotherapy, its side effects, and how to cope with them. Also discusses the effect of chemotherapy on everyday life, including tiredness, sex life and fertility, social life, work, holidays, exercise and diet.
Dr Terry Priestman
Sheldon Press, 2007
ISBN 978-0859699990
Gives information about radiotherapy, its side effects, and how to cope with them. Also discusses the effect of radiotherapy on everyday life, including social life, work, travel, exercise and diet.
J F Kelvin and L B Tyson
Jones and Bartlett Publishing, 2010
ISBN 978-0763777609
An American book which gives both doctor’s and patient’s views on coping with the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of treatment. It has information about treatment for pain, nausea, tiredness, and other symptoms.
Jane Freeman
Sheldon Press, 2012
ISBN 978-1847091413
Written by a cancer dietitian, this is a practical handbook for people with cancer. Filled with helpful tips and recipes.
A Bloch and others
American Cancer Society, 2010
ISBN 978-0944235782
An American book but most of the information is relevant to the UK. It covers issues such as preventing weight loss and coping with dehydration, fatigue, and infection. It also discusses eating problems and digestion issues, such as swallowing problems, feeling sick and dealing with mouth sores. Focuses on survivorship and how to eat well after treatment.
Find local cancer information and support near you
There are organisations and support in your local area that you can access. You can ask your specialist nurse or doctor for more information about cancer services near you.
England
NHS Choices has a service that tells you about local information and support in England.
Scotland
NHS Inform gives information about illness, treatments and NHS services for people in Scotland.
Wales
NHS 111 Wales gives health advice and information for people living in Wales.
Northern Ireland
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland have a cancer information helpline and resource centre. They provide public and professional education, rehabilitation programmes and support groups for patients and relatives.
Cancer nurse helpline: 0800 783 3339 Monday - Friday 9am to 1pm
Email: nurseline@cancerfocusni.org
