Abstract
Background: Testicular cancer incidence rates are increasing worldwide making it the most common malignancy in males aged 15 to 45 years. More than 90% of patients are cured with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy alone or a combination of them. This success depends on early and accurate disease diagnosis and the application of optimum treatment.
Aim: to assess adults' awareness, attitude, and practice regarding testicular cancer (TC) and testicular self-examination (TSE) in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used targeting all adults in Aseer region. The study was conducted during the period from February 2020 to May 2020. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire which was developed by the researchers after intensive literature review and expert's consultation. Adults' awareness regarding testicular cancer (TC) was assessed covering its main domains including general definition, signs and symptoms, age of incidence, self-examination methods, and curability. The questionnaire was uploaded online, using social media platforms, by the researchers and their relatives and friends. All adults fulfilling the inclusion criteria who received the electronic questionnaire during the study period were invited to participate through filling out the questionnaire.
Results: The survey included 809 male participants who completed the questionnaire. Participants ages ranged from 18 to 55 years old with mean age of 26.9 12.7 years. The majority of participants (73.1%; 591) were single while 23.7% were married. Exactly 591 (73.1%) participants had heard about cancer tests and 651 (80.5%) knew it affects men. Regarding age susceptible to testicular cancer, 218 (26.9%) of the participants reported 15-40 years old. About 5.1% of the participants agreed that routine self-examination for TC is not important, 194 (24%) reported it is important.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the study revealed that male adult's awareness about TC and TSE are inadequate and the proportion who are performing it is below the average. Also, male adults' attitude towards TSE and its importance was not promising.