Survey Reveals Men’s Lack of Awareness About Testicular Cancer Risks

A recent survey conducted by the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC—James) has highlighted a significant gap in awareness regarding testicular cancer among American men. The survey, which involved 1,008 respondents aged 18 and older, aimed to assess public perceptions of this disease, which affects nearly 10,000 adults in the United States annually, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) (American Cancer Society, 2023).

The survey results indicate that only 13% of U.S. adults correctly identified testicular cancer as predominantly affecting males under the age of 40. This is particularly alarming given that the disease is most commonly diagnosed in men between the ages of 20 and 40. Dr. Shawn Dason, a urologic oncologist at OSUCCC—James and an associate clinical professor of urology at the Ohio State College of Medicine, stated, "In my experience, a lot of men are surprised that testicular cancer is most common among young men. It's something you're just not expecting in your twenties or thirties. A lot of young men's focus might be on developing their career, their day-to-day life. That's a very different track of mind than perhaps your health" (Dason, 2023).

Despite the low awareness, the survey revealed that 63% of respondents recognized that testicular cancer is often curable if detected early. Furthermore, over half (54%) acknowledged the importance of conducting monthly self-checks. Dr. Dason emphasized the critical role of self-exams, noting, "Routine self-exams are essential to detect any lumps or changes to the testicle. If you feel something out of the ordinary, like a lump or bump, or if the testicle changes in size, call your doctor".

Interestingly, younger adults aged 18-29 and those aged 30-49 were more likely to understand the potential impact of testicular cancer on fertility, with 68% and 61% respectively acknowledging this risk. However, younger respondents were also misinformed about the symptoms, with 18% mistakenly believing that testicular cancer symptoms are always painful, which is not typically the case (Dason, 2023).

The implications of this survey are significant, as low awareness could lead to late diagnoses, which can adversely affect treatment outcomes. The findings align with previous studies indicating that early detection significantly improves survival rates for testicular cancer (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2021).

In light of these findings, experts are calling for enhanced educational initiatives aimed at young men to improve awareness about testicular cancer and encourage proactive health behaviors. The survey demonstrates a clear need for targeted outreach and education to mitigate the risks associated with this disease, particularly among populations that are often overlooked in cancer awareness campaigns.

As the healthcare community works to address this knowledge gap, the OSUCCC—James aims to implement new strategies to increase awareness and promote early detection among young men. Dr. Dason concluded, "We are fortunate that the vast majority of patients are diagnosed at an early stage. However, we cannot afford to be complacent; awareness and education are key".