Many people are frightened about the prospect of chemotherapy, particularly because of all the publicity that has been given to possible side effects. Modern chemotherapy and modern ways to avoid or reduce side effects have made chemotherapy today much better tolerated than ever before and most people find it is not nearly as bad as they expected.

Virtually all testicular cancers are one of two types: teratomas or seminomas.  Both of these cancers are extremely sensitive and responsive to chemotherapy. This means that the chances of a benefit are very high and most men are completely cured as a result of treatment. Even if the cancer is not cured then many people will have their life expectancy considerably increased by having chemotherapy and only a tiny minority will not get any benefit.

Without treatment this cancer usually develops rapidly and for most people life expectancy would be short.

So, fortunately for a great majority of men with advanced testicular cancer the results of chemotherapy are very good and the benefits are likely to far outweigh any possible side-effects.

At the end of the day, the choice whether to have treatment is a decision that is in your hands. However, it can be helpful to discuss the the possible side effects and benefits you might hope to expect in your individual circumstances with your specialist.