Increasing Testicular Self-Examination in AD Soldiers: An Intervention Study

Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy in men aged 18 to 35, which includes 80% of male soldiers. Its cure rate depends on early detection, best done through testicular self-examination (TSE), yet 66% of America's military do not perform monthly TSE and only half have ever received any education on the disease. This study evaluated two methods of educational content delivery to determine which was more effective in promoting monthly TSE.

The sample was 93 soldiers. The response rate for usable surveys was 24%. The Health Beliefs Survey for Testicular Cancer and Testicular Self-Examination, with an added demographic section, was used.

The sample was divided into three groups: Group A received printed material and a shower card, Group B received the shower card and a video, and Group C (control) received a running injury-prevention class. Surveys were mailed to participants 4 months post-intervention.

Sample and group demographics were examined by descriptive statistics. Group differences in categorical dependent variables were analyzed nonparametrically. Oneway ANOVA was used to examine group differences in continuous variables.

Most had heard of TC (89%) and TSE (80%), but only one-fourth reported monthly TSE practice and 52% had never been examined for TC by a health care provider. The groups did not differ significantly in correct TSE performance (every month), but no participant in the video group reported NEVER performing TSE. No significant group differences were found on knowledge, benefits, susceptibility, or seriousness. Video and control groups differed significantly in beliefs about barriers to performing TSE.

This study implies that military men need educational interventions for TC and TSE. Providers must make testicular exams a part of routine physicals. This study should be replicated and if the video is better, it can be mass-produced and distributed during basic training.

Final report is available on NTRL: https://ntrl.ntis.gov/NTRL/dashboard/searchResults/titleDetail/PB2007107622.xhtml