Testicular Cancer Education—Hidden Potential Ways to Improve Awareness and Early Diagnosis in Young Men?

TL;DR

This study explores how pediatricians and surgeons in Germany educate young men about testicular cancer and finds that most do not provide sufficient health education or self-examination instructions.

Contribution

The study identifies gaps in health education and testicular self-examination guidance provided by pediatricians and pediatric surgeons in Germany.

Findings

Most physicians perform genitourinary exams but few provide specific testicular cancer education.

Physicians with more experience are more likely to provide health education about testicular cancer.

Only 4% of participants offer special consultations for male adolescents about sexual diseases.

Abstract

Introduction: Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men. Studies show that general awareness among the risk group is low, and anticipatory guidance is of paramount importance for early detection. We queried pediatricians and pediatric surgeons on their perceived role and their interaction with patients regarding education on this issue. Materials and Methods: A survey was sent to pediatricians and pediatric surgeons in Germany to assess the extent of genitourinary examinations, health education about testicular cancer, and instructions for testicular self-examination during well-child visits and clinic contacts. Statistics were processed using R software (Version 4.5.1). Results: Data from 150 participating pediatricians and 21 pediatric surgeons were analyzed. Genitourinary examinations were performed routinely by the majority of participants, especially those in solo or group practices (p < 0.05). In particular, physicians who provide health education about testicular cancer perform testicular examinations significantly more often than those who do not provide such education (p < 0.05). Four percent of the participants offered a special consultation for male adolescents to provide information about male sexual diseases. There was a significant correlation between the length of experience of physicians and the level of health education (p < 0.01). Discussion: Although the majority of participants perform regular genitourinary examinations, only a minority provide special health education about testicular cancer or provide instructions for testicular self-examination. Most participating pediatricians and pediatric surgeons asked for more support regarding testicular cancer screening and health education.

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