Dr. Fred Millard - Mental Health & Coping | Testicular Cancer Conference 2024 presented by Fennec Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Fred Millard - Mental Health & Coping | Testicular Cancer Conference 2024 presented by Fennec Pharmaceuticals
At the 2024 Testicular Cancer Conference presented by Fennec Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Fred Millard, a genitourinary oncologist at Moores UCSD Cancer Center, discussed self-care and mental health in testicular cancer patients. He emphasized the emotional challenges following a cancer diagnosis, particularly in adolescents and young adults (AYA). Patients often experience overwhelming stress and anxiety but may also find hope and gratitude, leading to personal growth.
Dr. Millard highlighted that pre-existing mental health issues can affect how patients cope with cancer. He shared the case of "Danny," a 28-year-old patient who refused chemotherapy despite a high cure rate for his condition, ultimately leading to his death.
This underscored the complexity of patient psychology and the importance of understanding individual perspectives to prevent such outcomes.
He recommended strategies for managing mental health, including educating oneself, advocating for personal needs, fostering supportive relationships, engaging in enjoyable activities, maintaining physical exercise, expressing emotions, seeking professional mental health support, and involving oneself in spiritual or community groups.
Dr. Millard also addressed the long-term psychological effects of cancer treatment, such as fear of recurrence and impacts on relationships and careers. He noted ongoing research into the cognitive and neurological effects of testicular cancer, which may improve future patient care.
Acknowledging that healthcare providers also face mental health challenges, he stressed the need for self-care among professionals to maintain a functional healthcare system. Dr. Millard concluded by highlighting systemic challenges in mental health care, including resource limitations and access issues, and called for collective compassion and mutual support to navigate these complexities together.
The slides from Dr. Millard’s presentation can be downloaded here.