Testicular cancer risk incidence in perception of young men

Abstract

Introduction. Testicular cancer is the most frequently occurring malignant tumour in young men. Self-examination of testicles allows for early detection of the disease. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the level of knowledge concerning testicular cancer among young men. Material and methods. The study was conducted among 296 students of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. Results. The majority of students were never previously interested in the issue of testicular cancer. The students were not able to say at what age this type of cancer usually occurs nor did they know the risk factors or symptoms of the disease. Students of Medicine had much more knowledge about testicular cancer than the students from other fields. 91% of the examined men declared that doctors never informed them about the risk of developing testicular cancer and the importance of self-examination of the testicles. 72% of students of faculties other than medical, never searched for any information concerning testicular cancer on their own. Only 29% of students of all faculties perform self-examination of their testicles. Conclusions. Young man do not have sufficient knowledge concerning testicular cancer and rarely self-examine their testicles. Therefore, it is justified to disseminate more broadly knowledge concerning testicular cancer and to encourage young men to undergo self-examination.