Knowledge of testicular cancer and screening acceptance: Results from a prospective study.
231 Background: A delayed diagnosis of testicular cancer is associated with both greater morbidity and poorer prognosis. We conducted a prospective study in the French Armed Forces to assess whether a short medical education could increase the degree of acceptance of the routine clinical screening for testicular cancer. Methods: We enrolled 415 consecutive military patients aged 18-45 years and consulting their army general practitioner. The degree of knowledge on the testicular cancer was assessed using a self-questionnaire, which also served as short medical education. We compared the degree of acceptance for testicular palpation before and after the education delivery. Results: Only 26.8% of patients (n = 107) assumed that they had previously received general information on testicular cancer and 31 patients (7.8%) reported that they were informed on the risk factors of testicular cancer (CI95: 5.5-10.8). In the population, 16.3% of patients (n = 65) had been informed on the usefulness of self-palpation of testes. Wilcoxon tests show significant differences between baseline acceptance level before any intervention and after information delivery (p<0.000001). In details, acceptance of testicular palpation after responding the questionnaire did not change in 82.25%, increased in 15%, and decreased in 2.75%. Conclusions: Young males in military environment are poorly aware of testicular cancer, but there is a demand on medical education regarding this disease. The time of annual medical visit for aptitude is probably the optimal time for this education. No significant financial relationships to disclose.