Awareness of testicular cancer among adult Polish men and their tendency for prophylactic self-examination: conclusions from Movember 2020 event

Abstract

Background Testicular cancer (TC), due to its non-specific symptoms and occurrence in young men, is particularly dangerous. A critical point for early diagnosis is awareness of the disease and the willingness to perform a testicular self-examination (TSE). The main aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of 771 adult men about testicular cancer. Additionally, the sources of information on TC and TSE were analyzed and the influence of demographic factors on the willingness to join preventative programs was examined. Materials and methods The study was carried out during the Movember2020 campaign, where a testicular ultrasound was performed on participants. They were asked to complete a questionnaire with 26 questions to assess their knowledge. Results The results obtained in the study indicate a low level of knowledge (average 3.5 points out of 18) about TC. Living in a large city (OR = 1.467; p = 0.03), as well as an earlier conversation about TC (OR = 1.639; p = 0.002), increased the awareness about the disease. Additionally it showed that many participants do not perform TSE at all (52.4%) and that only few perform TSE frequently (18.4%). Relationship status (OR = 2.832; p < 0.001) and previous conversations about TC (OR = 1.546; p = 0.02) was reported to be the main contributing factors in males deciding to have TSE. Conclusions Our research indicates large educational neglect in terms of knowledge about TC and reluctance in performing TSE. It is worth carrying out preventative actions periodically on an increasing scale, not only for the screening of testicular cancer, but also to expand knowledge on this subject.

Testicular cancer knowledge amongst Lebanese university students and the effect of a social media awareness campaign

“…Higher knowledge scores were associated with increased TSE, and previous awareness and education on TC were positively and signi cantly associated with the practice of TSE on bivariate and multivariate analysis. Ryszawy et al (20) reported the same nding, which raises the importance of implementing awareness campaigns to increase the knowledge of men concerning TC.…”

“…Overall, 807 (28.95%) consented to participate. The median age was 21 years (IQR [19][20][21][22][23]. Students from all the faculties responded.…”

Reasons behind the Delayed Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis

“…One potential solution is the development of trusted Internet resources for patients affiliated with renowned clinics or scientific bodies. Another option is the creation of social campaigns and awareness programs oriented at promoting testicular self-examination [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ] and early detection of testicular malignancies [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Examples of such initiatives are Testicular Cancer Awareness Month and Men’s Health Awareness Month, held every April and November, respectively.…”

“…A few previous studies demonstrated that the knowledge of the early symptoms of testicular cancer among males at risk is suboptimal [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ], with the practice of testicular self-examination, a basic screening test, not being as common as recommended [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. However, still little is known about the causes of diagnostic delay in men with testicular malignancies.…”

Correction to: Awareness of testicular cancer among adult Polish men and their tendency for prophylactic self-examination: conclusions from Movember 2020 event

“…Following publication of the original article [ 1 ], the authors would like to update the affiliation information of co-author Dr. Pawel Rajwa.…”