Testicular cancer awareness and self-examination among adolescent males in a community-based youth organization.
BACKGROUND
Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common neoplasm affecting males between 15 and 35, and testicular self-examination (TSE) has been recommended for early detection. Studies have found that young adult men have poor awareness of TC and low rates of performing TSE, but little research has examined adolescents.


METHODS
In a comprehensive survey of health behaviors among adolescent boys (n = 213, mean age 15.4 years) who participated in a community-based youth organization (Boy Scouts of America), we assessed whether respondents had heard of TC and the frequency of performing TSE.


RESULTS
Nearly 73% of scouts had heard of TC, but only 10.3% performed TSE at levels consistent with current recommendations (10 or more times per year). Compared to whites, blacks were less knowledgeable about TC and less likely to perform TSE. Knowledge of TC also was associated with participation in physical education classes and the intention to graduate from college. TSE was associated with greater health care access and the use of personal flotation devices during water activities.


CONCLUSIONS
TSE is underutilized as an early cancer detection tool. Efforts are needed to increase TC knowledge among black adolescents and to integrate TSE education with promotion of healthy behaviors in community organizations.
Ward
Kenneth D
KD
Department of Health and Sport Sciences, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA. kdward@memphis.edu
Vander Weg
Mark W
MW
Read
Mary Cocke
MC
Sell
Marie A
MA
Beech
Bettina M
BM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016353:Self-Examination; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States