Quality of Life in Adolescent and Young Adult Testicular Cancer Survivors

Study ID
STU 032012-007

Cancer Related
Yes

Healthy Volunteers
No

Study Sites

  • UT Southwestern-Other

Contact
Trisha Melhado
214-648-3206
trisha.melhado@utsouthwestern.edu

Principal Investigator
Heidi Hamann

Summary

This non-experimental, cross-sectional qualitative study is designed to assess survivors?: (a) experiences with testicular cancer, particularly its impact on romantic and sexual relationships (b) reaction to the existing RSCQ and how it does or does not capture their experience. Using this qualitative data, we will systematically revise the RSCQ to be relevant to the unique issues of the AYA testicular cancer survivor population. Completion of this pilot study will position us to conduct subsequent psychometric testing of the revised RSCQ in order to inform the development of interventions to improve romantic competence and QOL among AYA testicular cancer survivors. The UTSW cancer registry is required by the state to maintain up-to-date vital status and contact information for all cancer survivors who receive care through UTSW hospitals and clinics. The UTSW cancer registry exists because all hospitals and health care providers who diagnosed and treated cancer patients are required by law (Texas Cancer Reporting Act ? http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/tcr/lawrules.shtm) to share information with the Texas Cancer Registry. The UTSW cancer registry does not have an associated IRB number because its function is regulatory and not research-based. However, several state cancer registries are now being used to outreach with cancer survivors to improve quality of care and prevent recurrence of cancer. Because we may receive updated information from UTSW cancer registry members who participate in our study, we have agreed to share the following information with the UTSW registry: vital status, new address, and telephone. Data will be shared electronically using password protected files.
At our site we will only be conducting telephone interviews, there will not be any other procedures at this site.

Participant Eligibility

Individuals must (1) be aged 18 to 39 years, (2) have completed any form of treatment for testicular cancer within the past 5 years, (3) speak/read English, and (4) agree to participate. Although testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer among young men aged 15 to 39, exclusions will be made for survivors younger than 18 years. The rationale for this stems from the fact that romantic relationships are expected to vary greatly among middle and late adolescents who are likely still living at home.