Interventions Promoting Testicular Self-Examination (TSE) Performance

Abstract

Testicular cancer is one of the greatest threats to health and wellness among 15- to 40-year old males. A concerted effort in the literature promoting awareness, risk factors, and preventative measures is warranted. There is limited discussion on the validity of interventions aimed at promoting testicular self-examination (TSE) performance; the existing body of evidence offers little discussion on what specific factors motivate performance. To assist in making Healthy People 2020 an all-inclusive success, a comprehensive assessment of existing evidence is necessary to assist in closing this research gap. A systematic review of interventions promoting TSE performance discovered moderate levels of effectiveness among 10 studies promoting the behavior. Concerning methodological quality, nine were of average quality and one was of high quality. In terms of significant TSE reporting between intervention and control/comparison groups, 3 out of 10 did not achieve the statistical causal threshold. Based on our assessment of TSE intervention quality and outcomes pertaining to behavior adoption, a best-practices guideline is presented for researchers in the field to consult as they design their interventions. This guideline aims to improve on internal and external validity of TSE promotion research in order to make them more effective.

Males’ Awareness of Benign Testicular Disorders: An Integrative Review

“…Despite the apparent lack of awareness regarding BTD and delay in seeking help in the event of abnormal scrotal findings, the literature lacks intervention studies to close the knowledge gap and enhance help seeking. In addition, none of the reviewed studies addressed barriers to knowledge and help seeking and none highlighted men's informational needs and preferred modes of information delivery which was also reported as one of the major gaps in the literature on testicular cancer (Rovito et al, 2015;Saab et al, 2016aSaab et al, , 2016b. It is worth noting that minority groups as well as individuals who are at risk for health disparities were underrepresented in the literature on BTD which hinders the generalizability of findings and their applicability to different contexts.…”

Long-Term Follow-Up of Testicular Microlithiasis in Children and Adolescents: Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of the Italian Society of Pediatric Urology

“…Guidelines from Europe advocate to consider a testicular biopsy in younger patients and in those who are at an increased risk for germ cell tumor, whereas self-examination is recommended for older patients. 11,12,26 According to the recent literature, self-examination and US are considered necessary, limiting testicular biopsy to the cases of TM associated with suspected testicular malignancy. [27][28][29] In the present series, gonadal biopsy was performed in 12 patients (14.8%), with no significant new information.…”

Testicular Cancer and the Importance of Early Diagnosis

“…As with all cancer cases, when testicular cancer is diagnosed in early stages, the rate of treatment for TC is approximately 96%, significantly affecting survival [71]. Unfortunately, more than 50% of cases are diagnosed after the disease has spread to the primary site, and men must be persuaded to avoid medical treatment as soon as a mass is detected [72].…”

“…For early diagnosis several organizations, including the American Cancer Society and American Urological Association, recommend that physicians include testicular examination as part of routine control [83].It is also recommended that primary healthcare professionals teach and encourage TSE to males between the ages of 15 and 35 years [84]. At the same time, the American Cancer Society recommends to men, especially who at high risk for TC, TSE as an effective and cost-free method [71]. Studies have shown that men at risk for TC are not educated and do not know how to perform TSE [6].…”

“…However, self-testis may be useful in increasing the incidence of testicular cancer and in early diagnosis because of the very low number of men participating in preventive healthcare [89]. TSE is a convenient method to detect testicular cancer and contribute to healthier lifestyles for men at risk [71]. Furthermore, TSE, potentially positive, can produce sustainable health behavior choices [90].…”