Testicular cancer is a rare form of cancer, accounting for only 1 percent of all cancers occurring in men according to tc-cancer.com. Although it is rare, testicular cancer is significant because it most often affects men between the ages of 20 and 49. Testicular cancer responds well to treatment, approaching 100 percent cure rates when the cancer is detected early. Men diagnosed with testicular cancer do not have to take on this challenge alone as several resources are available.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), found at www.livestrong.org, is one of the most well-known organizations dedicated to the fight against cancer, specifically testicular cancer. Founded by the champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, a survivor of testicular cancer, this non-profit organization based in Austin, TX plays an integral role in raising cancer awareness and progressing research towards finding better treatment options.
A specific division of the LAF is the LiveStrong SurvivorCare Program (www.livestrong.org/survivorcare). This program offers assistance to cancer survivors, their friends, their family and their caregivers. They provide information and education and offer one-on-one support to help those in need find local resources, deal with financial issues and locate professional counseling.
The Testicular Cancer Resource Center
The Testicular Cancer Resource Center has been providing information and support to those diagnosed with testicular cancer since 1996. This charitable organization is dedicated to understanding and dealing with testicular cancer and other tumors affecting the extragonadal cells.
Their website, www.tcrc.acor.org, provides up-to-date and medically accurate information about the cancer. It also provides information on testing and treatment options as well as clinical trials. As one of the first sites of its kind, it was and still is an invaluable resource for men suffering from testicular cancer to connect with one another for support.
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), at www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/testicular, is a government agency that strives to conduct research programs to enhance cancer prevention, detection and treatment. The site provides information on all types of cancer, including testicular cancer, to the general public as well as health professionals and scientists.
The NCI offers immediate online assistance through their LiveHelp instant messaging program. This allows patients to ask questions and receive a response from a specialist.
TC-Cancer.com, Your Testicular Cancer Resource Network
TC-Cancer.com provides information and support to patients with testicular cancer and their families. TC-Cancer.com provides information on topics including self-examination, diagnosis and treatment options. It also allows patients to tell their own personal stories so that others can read and learn from their experiences. The online blog and forums invite patients to post their comments and questions and promotes interaction between those dealing with this cancer.
