# Tactile Learning in Cancer Awareness: Evaluating Prosthetic Models Versus Posters in Male Reproductive Health Education

## TL;DR

This study shows that using prosthetic models for teaching about male reproductive cancers improves knowledge and confidence more than posters, especially for less-educated individuals.

## Contribution

The study introduces prosthetic models as a novel, tactile method for improving cancer education and reducing disparities in male reproductive health.

## Key findings

- Prosthetic models led to greater immediate knowledge gains compared to posters.
- Participants using prosthetic models showed better retention of information after two weeks.
- Lower-educated participants experienced larger confidence improvements with prosthetic models.

## Abstract

Prostate and testicular cancers represent major health concerns for men, yet public knowledge, awareness of how to perform self-examinations, and comfort discussing male reproductive health are often poor, with stigma further limiting early detection and prevention. This study compared the effectiveness of two educational modalities, poster-based instruction and prosthetic model-based instruction, in an effort to address these shortcomings among adult participants. Using a pre-, post-, and two-week follow-up survey design, we measured knowledge gains, retention, and comfort discussing male cancers with healthcare providers across different education levels and age groups. Prosthetic-based instruction consistently outperformed posters, producing greater immediate knowledge gains, stronger retention at two weeks, and larger improvements in confidence, particularly among participants with lower educational levels. By engaging learners through multisensory teaching methods and experiential practice, prosthetic models hold promise for reducing educational disparities, improving early-detection behaviors, and ultimately decreasing mortality from male reproductive cancers.