A Survey on the Knowledge and Awareness of Testicular Cancer and Testicular Self-Examination Among Men in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of testicular cancer (TC) and testicular self-examination (TSE) and to identify the associated factors in men in Saudi Arabia. Methods An online questionnaire-based study was conducted in Saudi Arabia with a representative sample of 794 participants. The questionnaire comprised knowledge, awareness and attitude questions regarding TC and TSE in addition to signs/symptoms and risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the significant variables associated with knowledge of TC and TSE. Results Around 43% (n=340) of the participants had inadequate knowledge of TC, whereas 26% (n=205) had heard about TSE and only 65 (8.2%) performed TSE. The first model for knowledge found that participants with a low level of education [2.75 (1.18, 6.42)]; no past history of a testicular problem [2.20 (1.22, 3.95)] and those who had not heard about TSE [1.79 (1.24, 2.57)] were at higher odds for inadequate knowledge, whereas those whose mothers had received college-level education [0.39 (0.19, 0.79)] and those who received information from school/college [0.61 (0.37, 0.97)] were more likely to have adequate knowledge about TC. The second model for TSE found that a low level of education 5.24 (1.34, 20.52) was associated with not performing TSE. Receiving information from social media [0.08 (0.03, 0.17)], school/college [0.06 (0.02, 0.13)], family and friends [0.17 (0.05, 0.57)] and medical staff [0.08 (0.03, 0.17)] were associated with higher odds of performing TSE. Conclusion The majority of Saudi males have knowledge about TC. On the contrary, only a small percentage of the respondents have heard of or performed TSE as a screening technique. Educated sources of information can be a reliable way of giving correct knowledge on sensitive topics like TSE.