Testicular self-examination: change in rates of practice in European university students, from 13 countries, over a 10-year period

Abstract

Background The objective of this study was to compare testicular self-examination (TSE) practice in 13 European countries over a 10-year period. Testicular cancer predominantly affects young men. It is rare but on the increase and is most common in Caucasian ethnic groups living in industrialised nations, particularly northern Europe. Stage and prognosis are related to early diagnosis and TSE has been advocated to help achieve this. Over the last 15 years there have been efforts to increase disease awareness and self-examination practice. Recent reductions in patients’ delay in seeking help have been attributed to the success of this education, although no evidence has been available to substantiate this claim. Methods Data from two successive international surveys in male student populations in Europe ( n = 4322, n = 4358) carried out in 1990 and 2000, respectively, are described. Results Although TSE practice rates are low, there have been significant increases over this 10-year period. Conclusions Increased TSE may reflect greater awareness of testicular cancer and could contribute to more timely help-seeking.