Just diagnosed with Testicular Cancer — what should I do first

Testicular CancerMay 19, 2026Navis AI

For informational purposes only

This answer was generated by AI grounded in NCCN guidelines and published medical literature. It is not medical advice. Always consult your oncologist or care team before making treatment decisions.

First Steps After a Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

I'm sorry you're facing this diagnosis. Here's what you should prioritize in these early days:

1. Take Time to Process (Don't Rush Into Decisions)

According to patient advocate Scott Petinga, who navigated testicular cancer himself, doctors often pressure patients to decide quickly—sometimes within 24 hours. You likely have more time than you think. While testicular cancer does require prompt treatment, a few days to gather information and get a second opinion won't significantly impact your outcome. Use this time wisely rather than making decisions from a place of fear.

2. Get a Second Opinion from a Specialist

This is critical. Find an oncologist or urologist who:

Specializes in testicular cancer (not just general oncology)
Has significant experience treating your specific stage and type
Works at a major cancer center or academic medical center

As Petinga emphasizes, ask potential doctors directly: "Have you treated testicular cancer before? How many cases have you managed? If not, can you refer me to someone who has?"

3. Understand Your Diagnosis Completely

Before any treatment decisions, make sure you understand:

Your cancer stage (Stage 1, 2, or 3) — this dramatically affects treatment options
Tumor type (seminoma vs. non-seminoma) — these are treated differently
Tumor markers (AFP, beta-hCG, LDH levels) — these help guide treatment
Whether the cancer has spread — imaging scans (CT, sometimes PET) determine this

Ask your doctor to explain these in plain language. Write down what you don't understand and ask again.

4. Discuss All Treatment Options

For testicular cancer, treatment options typically include:

Surgery (radical inguinal orchiectomy — removal of the affected testicle)
Chemotherapy (for certain stages)
Radiation therapy (less common now, but still used in some cases)
Active surveillance/observation (for some Stage 1 cases)
Clinical trials (may offer newer approaches)

According to Petinga's experience, some doctors present information in a way that guides you toward their preferred option rather than giving you all the facts. Ask: "What are ALL my treatment options? What are the pros and cons of each? Why do you recommend this specific approach for me?"

5. Ask About Fertility and Hormone Issues

This is especially important if you're younger or want children in the future:

Sperm banking: If you haven't already, ask about preserving sperm before any treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can affect fertility)
Hormone replacement: Some treatments affect testosterone production. Ask about long-term hormone monitoring
Sexual function: Ask about potential impacts on sexual function and what support is available

Petinga's story highlights that long-term side effects—including hormonal changes and fertility issues—deserve serious discussion upfront, not as an afterthought.

6. Build Your Support Team

You need:

A primary oncologist who will coordinate your care
A trusted person (family member or close friend) to attend appointments with you, take notes, and help you advocate for yourself
A patient navigator or advocate (many cancer centers provide these)
Support resources (counseling, support groups, financial assistance)

7. Research Credible Information

According to the CancerPatientLab webinar on testicular cancer treatment, reliable sources include:

NCCN Guidelines (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) — the standard of care in the U.S.
ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) — evidence-based treatment recommendations
American Cancer Society — patient-friendly information
NCI (National Cancer Institute at cancer.gov) — comprehensive, reliable information

Avoid making decisions based on internet forums alone, though patient stories can be helpful for understanding the experience.

8. Consider Clinical Trials

Ask your oncologist about clinical trials you might be eligible for. Trials can provide access to newer treatments and contribute to advancing care for future patients. However, eligibility depends on your specific stage and prior treatments.