Student Knowledge of Testicular Cancer and Self-examination in A Medical Sciences University in Iran

Abstract

Background: While Young men are at higher risk of developing testicular cancer (TC), testicular-self examination (TSE) is an easy, cost effectiveness method to early detection of this disease. The aim of the study was to investigate medical sciences student`s awareness, attitude and self-efficacy about TC and TSE. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among full time young students (n=330) in a medical sciences university in the academic year 2010-2011. In order to collect data a self-administered questionnaire was applied by means of a convenience sampling method among 330 young males. Results: Less than 5% of the students reported they had knowledge regarding TSE and only 10% were performing it. Just 2% of them were found to have good knowledge about TC and 17% had good awareness about TSE. Under 10 % of the participants had good attitude about performing TSE and over 81 % also showed poor self-efficacy. Conclusion: The findings showed weak awareness and self-efficacy about TC and TSE cross young males; it is suggested more attentions should be paid educational courses of Medical Sciences students, more importantly, in terms of Principles and Practice of Cancer Prevention.

Keywords

• Cancer
• Testicular
• Prevention
• Self-examination