Intervene to Improve: Awareness of Testicular Self-Examination and Testicular Cancer Among Male Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background and objectiveTesticular cancer is the commonest of all types of cancer males are affected with. Testicular cancer, when diagnosed early, has one of the best prognoses. However, in Pakistan, early detection is hindered by religious and sociocultural norms, lack of education, and awareness deficit. Testicular self-examination (TSE) can significantly facilitate early detection of the condition and decrease associated mortality rate. This study aimed to acquire the frame of mind regarding testicular cancer (TC) and testicular self-examination (TSE) among the male outdoor patients of Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. Materials and methodsAfter ethical considerations, elaborated literature review and consequent pilot study were done to develop a bilingual questionnaire. Following patient consent, answers to a set of questions were noted down by the authors. A 90-second bilingual, motivational video was displayed and an educational pamphlet on the same topic was also handed over. Afterward, another survey was conducted to grasp the comprehension, satisfaction, and willingness to spread the message. ResultsAbout 92% of the subjects had not heard of or performed TSE and 58.3% mentioned lack of education as the reason for not knowing the method. Eighty-two percent patients had never heard of TC. Post-education, 100% patients claimed that their knowledge of the subject improved and 97% were ready to teach other male relatives. ConclusionThe results indicate that the population's lack of awareness regarding testicular self-examination and testicular cancer is alarming. Most subjects did not know the age group, risk factors, presentation, and early prevention of testicular cancer.

Promoting men’s awareness, self-examination, and help-seeking for testicular disorders: a systematic review of interventions

“…Two studies were conducted in Turkey 25,26 . The remaining studies were conducted in Ireland 27 , India 28 , and Pakistan 29 . Three of the studies had a theoretical underpinning including the Health Belief Model 25,26 and the Pre-Conscious Awareness to Action Framework 27 .…”

“…Three of the studies had a theoretical underpinning including the Health Belief Model 25,26 and the Pre-Conscious Awareness to Action Framework 27 . Two studies explored awareness of TC and TSE and TSE behaviours 25,29 . Sagir and Alitnel 26 addressed TSE behaviours only, Shenbagagap et al 28 explored TSE awareness only, while Saab et al 27 explored TC and TSE awareness, TSE intentions and help-seeking behaviours for testicular symptoms.…”

“…Sagir and Alitnel 26 addressed TSE behaviours only, Shenbagagap et al 28 explored TSE awareness only, while Saab et al 27 explored TC and TSE awareness, TSE intentions and help-seeking behaviours for testicular symptoms. Sample sizes ranged from 49 27 to 124 29 participants. Two studies used a quasi-experimental design 26,28 , two were pre-post pilot studies 27,29 , and the remaining study was an RCT 25 .…”

“…Sample sizes ranged from 49 27 to 124 29 participants. Two studies used a quasi-experimental design 26,28 , two were pre-post pilot studies 27,29 , and the remaining study was an RCT 25 .…”

Promoting ‘testicular awareness’: Co‐design of an inclusive campaign using the World Café Methodology

“…Five experimental studies published between 2018 and 2023 were reviewed. Interventions like PowerPoint presentations, 23 online educational brochures, 24 video‐assisted teaching, 25 motivational videos 26 and a virtual reality game 27 were successful in raising men's awareness of testicular cancer and self‐examination. Of note, none of the studies purposefully included gender and sexual minorities and only one study addressed benign testicular diseases, 27 further highlighting the need for an inclusive health intervention to promote testicular awareness.…”