The most common cancer in males aged 15 to 39 years, testicular cancer incidence rates within Europe has doubled over the past 40 years. While survival rates exceed 95%, survivors can face a lifetime of physical, psychological, and social complications.

This project, TRANSCEND-XR, is a five-and-a-half-year project funded by Horizon Europe. It will co-create and evaluate a cutting-edge eXtended Reality (XR) experience aimed at improving the quality of life of testicular cancer survivors.

Moving away from traditional strategies, this project will be digitally led in attempt to engage with young people via a medium that appeals to them. Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Digital Reality will be considered in this innovative cancer survivorship research project.

The TRANSCEND-XR intervention will be tested in a randomised controlled trial involving 230 testicular cancer survivors across Europe, using a digital platform co-designed with survivors, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals.

Professor Joanne Reid, Chair of Cancer and Palliative Care from the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s commented: “Adolescence and early adulthood are critical stages for personal growth and development. We know that adolescent and young adult survivors of testicular cancer often face holistic late effects spanning physical, psychological and social domains. This project will develop and test an immersive educational tool to support cancer survivorship in this area, and our team within Queen’s look forward to playing a significant role in this.”