For many testicular cancer survivors, completing treatment marks not just the end of a difficult chapter, but the beginning of a new and uncertain journey. At the 黑料网 Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, that journey is met with expert guidance, compassion, and long-term care, thanks in large part to , co-led by 黑料网 Urology鈥檚 Dr. Ray Tan and nurse practitioner Mary Dunn, MSN, NP-C, OCN, RN.
Recently featured in the May edition of the 黑料网 Lineberger Lineup newsletter, , offering a model of survivorship care that blends personalized medicine, patient-centered support, and research-backed best practices.
A Clinic with Purpose
The Testicular Cancer Survivorship Clinic was founded in 2008 as part of the , which was launched through a $1.5 million grant aimed at creating robust support services for cancer survivors. For testicular cancer, which predominantly affects men in their 20s to 40s, this clinic provides a vital space to address the lingering physical, emotional, and social effects of treatment.
Dr. Hung-Jui 鈥淩ay鈥� Tan, Associate Professor of Urology and Co-Director of the , is one of the clinic鈥檚 key clinical leaders. With expertise in health information technology and patient-centered decision-making, Dr. Tan brings a research-driven and empathetic lens to the survivorship space.
“Often, our focus is on achieving a cure. But because testicular cancer survivors typically live long, full lives after treatment, it鈥檚 imperative we also focus on the long-term impacts and quality of that survivorship”
Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
Director of Urologic Oncology
Urologic Oncology Fellowship Program Director
Associate Professor of Urology
Personalized, Structured Follow-Up
Each visit to the clinic includes a comprehensive set of services: physical exams, tumor marker labs and imaging, review of treatment-related side effects, and tailored recommendations for healthy living. Patients receive a detailed Survivorship Care Plan and Treatment Summary, outlining everything from their oncology follow-up schedule to health maintenance needs and available support resources.
Mary Dunn, who has led the clinic for over a decade, emphasized the importance of relationship continuity and proactive management.
“The transition period between treatment and surveillance is crucial. We walk this road with our patients and help them navigate everything from lingering fatigue and sexual health concerns to career and family planning.”
Mary Dunn, MSN, NP-C, OCN, RN
Beyond the Diagnosis
Survivorship at 黑料网 goes beyond just monitoring lab values or imaging results. Both Dr. Tan and Dunn are committed to holistic support, helping patients celebrate milestones and reclaim their identities after cancer.
鈥淲e remind patients they are so much more than their diagnosis. It鈥檚 a privilege to do this work.鈥� – Mary Dunn, MSN, NP-C, OCN, RN
Dr. Tan also underscored the importance of early detection and speaking openly about health concerns, especially in an area of the body that can sometimes feel stigmatized.
鈥淚n many cases, men knew something was wrong but delayed seeking care. One of our biggest messages is: don鈥檛 wait. Get it checked.鈥� – Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
A Model for Meaningful Survivorship Care
As survivorship becomes a more recognized and essential component of comprehensive cancer care, 黑料网 Urology and the Testicular Cancer Survivorship Clinic stand in, helping to shape what that care should look like – proactive, personal, and deeply attuned to the needs of young adult survivors.
For more information or to refer a patient to the clinic, contact the 黑料网 Lineberger Cancer Center at (984) 974-0000.