UCF Researchers Lead Study to Improve Quality of Life for Testicular Cancer Patients

While completing treatment is a significant milestone for many cancer survivors, people with testicular cancer often face hidden physical, emotional and social well-being struggles that can last a lifetime.

To reduce these challenges, associate professors of health sciences Michael Rovito and Keith Brazendale in UCF's Department of Health Sciences are conducting a 6-month intervention study, which is funded by the Florida Department of Health Cancer Innovation Fund.

The National Cancer Institute estimates survival rates for testicular cancer are high, as about 10,000 men are diagnosed each year and fewer than 5% die from the disease - underscoring the need to improve quality of life for these patients.

"Our focus is on finding ways to improve the quality of life for these survivors, and to improve their mental, emotional and social health," says Rovito, who has researched testicular cancer and men's health for nearly two decades.

A New Approach to Survivorship Care

Previous survivorship programs have often focused on high-intensity exercise, which can be difficult for patients managing recovery, work and family demands. To develop a more sustainable path to recovery, Rovito and Brazendale are testing a uniquely designed intervention in Florida, known as the Physical Activity and Connectivity for Testicular Cancer Survivors (PACT) program.

PACT combines low-impact, remote, physical activity with an online support network to help survivors navigate psychosocial challenges. Participants engage in regular low-intensity physical activity, such as walking or taking the stairs, and track their progress using Fitbit devices. The devices provide real-time feedback, allowing researchers to set weekly goals and offer personalized guidance. This feedback loop helps participants stay engaged while building sustainable habits.

"We're seeking an intervention they can do for the rest of their lives," Brazendale says. "We want these healthy supports to become habit."

Support Beyond Physical Recovery

Connected through Zoom sessions, PACT program participants receive personalized counsel and encouragement from the researchers directly. They also take part in virtual peer-support sessions led by a social worker and a survivor advocate trained in trauma-informed care. Monthly sessions include breathwork, meditation and discussions on common concerns such as fertility, relationship changes and fear of recurrence.

"The online support session provides coping strategies and tools for the participants to use during the day, when they can feel anxious or depressed or overwhelmed," Rovito says.

Outside of the meetings, researchers stay in touch regularly with individual messages to participants, sending tailored motivational text messages.

"Our hope is that we are providing realistic physical activity changes that are sustainable when the monitoring ends," says Brazendale. "We want these survivors to have adopted habits and skills that result in them being healthier over the long-term."

The researchers say they hope to expand the program to other cancer survivor groups and integrate it into broader survivorship care across Florida, while securing additional funding for larger-scale trials.

The Feasibility of the Physical Activity and Connectivity for Testicular Cancer Survivors (PACT) program is supported by a grant from the Florida Department of Health Cancer Innovation Fund grant number 25C33.

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