More support for men battling low testosterone after cancer
A new clinic at Barts Cancer Centre is providing vital support for men whose testosterone levels have been affected by cancer treatment.
Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in energy, mood, and overall health.
Some cancer treatments - including surgery, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants - can cause testosterone levels to drop, leaving patients feeling tired, low, or unwell.
Until now, getting help through the NHS hasn’t always been easy. Care has often been patchy, with long waits, limited treatment options, and a lack of joined-up support between departments.
Thanks to the work of Dr Samantha Strumeier, a senior nurse and lead for uro-oncology (urinary and reproductive cancers), Barts has set up a dedicated clinic to improve care for these patients.
The clinic, which focuses on testosterone replacement therapy, is designed to be safe, consistent, and centred around each patient’s needs.
Dr Strumeier trained in the United States at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Johns Hopkins University.
She worked alongside leading andrologist Dr John P. Mulhall and multidisciplinary teams to develop a more cohesive approach to men’s health.
At Barts, patients now benefit from a wider range of treatment options, clear information to support informed decisions, and regular follow-up to ensure care remains safe and effective. The team has also embedded training into the service to equip future nurse leaders to carry the work forward.
Excellent level of personalised care
One patient said: "The service has been incredible. A lot of medications were not working, but Sam did not stop until we found what worked for me. I have gone from barely getting out of bed each day to being able to care for my 18-month-old son on my own."
Another patient added: "I’ve been very impressed by the level of specialist knowledge in the team and their ability to work towards better patient outcomes, where existing treatments may have been less effective. I’ve also received an excellent level of personalised care that may not have been possible in the Medical Oncology Clinic alone. I hope this treatment model is replicated in other clinics."
Since opening, the clinic has been fully booked - a clear sign of the strong need for better support in this area. It also highlights the value of a standardised and compassionate approach to care, something the team at Barts Cancer Centre is proud to deliver.
Dr Strumeier (pictured) recently presented the team’s work at a National Germ Cell Conference, where it was praised as an example of best practice. Her mission is to ensure all patients, no matter their background, receive the care they deserve.
"It’s been a privilege to lead this work," she said. "We’re proud to be helping men live well after cancer."
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