For survivors of testicular cancer, finishing treatment can signal a new beginning, but it also comes with uncertainty. At UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, a dedicated survivorship program is helping patients move forward with confidence and support.
Established in 2008 through a LIVESTRONG grant, the Testicular Cancer Survivorship Clinic provides long-term follow-up care for testicular cancer survivors.
Mary Dunn, MSN, NP-C, OCN, RN, who leads the clinic, says continuity of care is key.
“Developing relationships with patients and their loved ones during treatment is important, and the transition period between treatment and surveillance is crucial, as well,” she said. “Establishing a relationship with someone who will be their primary oncology provider after treatment can help ease some of these uncertainties.”
Creating a survivorship plan
Ray Tan, MD, MSHPM, associate professor of urology and co-director of the urologic oncology program at UNC Health, said cancer care can cause other health issues, so the clinic places an emphasis on addressing late effects of treatment, like fatigue, sexual health concerns and cardiovascular risk.
Each survivorship visit hits three major areas: diagnostics, including labs and imaging, management of post-treatment side effects, and a broad survivorship discussion covering healthy living, mental health and support resources.
Dunn emphasized the importance of creating personalized follow-up plans that outline what tests are needed, when and why.
Treatment side effects can vary widely—from surgical pain to chemotherapy-induced neuropathy or long-term risks like heart disease. Dunn said the clinic’s structured approach helps patients monitor and manage these issues proactively.
“Life after testicular cancer looks different for everyone,” she said. “Our patients are often in their 20s to 40s, navigating school, careers or starting families. Cancer in young adulthood can feel isolating, but we’re here to walk that road with them.”
Beyond physical recovery, the clinic also helps survivors celebrate major life milestones. “We remind patients that they are so much more than their diagnosis,” Dunn said. “It’s a privilege to do this work.”