Testicular cancer is the second most common malignancy after leukemia in men aged 20–35 years [1]. The incidence of testicular cancer varies between countries, races and socioeconomic classes. The incidence of testicular cancer in one hundred thousand men per year is reported as 6.7 in Scandinavian countries, 0.8 in Japan, and 2–3 in the United States (USA) [2]. Patients usually consult a doctor because of unilateral painless swelling and mass in the scrotum. Testicular enlargement usually develops slowly and there is a feeling of testicular heaviness The generally accepted view is that testicular stiffness should be considered a malignant tumor until proven otherwise [3]. Other symptoms are gynecomastia, pigmentation on the scrotum, pain in the abdomen and groin. Scrotal pain occurs as a result of late invasion of the tunica albuginea or epididymis by the tumor [4].
The average time between the first recognition of the testicular lesion by the patient and the definitive treatment (orchiectomy) is only 3–6 months. The duration of the delay in the diagnosis correlates with the incidence of metastases. Approximately 10% of the patients are asymptomatic, and these can often be noticed by the "post-traumatic" or "sexual partner of the patient"[3]. Routine testicular self-examination (TSE) is the examination performed by the person at least once a month and regularly, using both hands, in the shower and in front of a mirror after showering, in order to fix the testicle with one hand while investigating the testicle for mass with the other hand [1, 5]. Routine TSE has advantages such as being easily learned and applied, being safe, economical, not requiring special equipment, being non-invasive and not taking time. In addition, it has benefits such as recognizing testicular tissue and providing early recognition of changes when regularly done.
Testicular cancer is one of the most curable form of cancers, only if detected early. Testicular self-examination (TSE) is an examination of the testicles to help detect testicular cancer in the early stages. It is important to do testicular exams every month to notice any changes. However, according to studies conducted in different countries, the rate of routine TSE is not quite high.
One of the most frequently used concepts in explaining health behaviors is the Health Belief Model (HBM). In this model, it is aimed to get down to the causes of health behaviors. HBM was developed by psychologists in 1950 as a model that includes four areas: “sensitivity, caring/seriousness, benefit and disability”. This model aims to identify the case for screenings and disease prevention.
The Champion's Health Belief Model (CHBM) scale has been modified and the CHBM Scale for testicular cancer screening (CHBM-S) has been developed for beliefs and practices towards TSE. Accordingly, the high level of sensitivity and care for testicular cancer increases the possibility of performing TSE. If the perceptions of the benefits of TSE in men are higher than the perceptions of the barriers, the rates of applying TSE increase [6].
The aim of this study is to determine the level of knowledge and awareness of testicular cancer incidence, symptoms, clinic, treatment, and routine testicular self-examination in medical school students in last two years who will start medicine soon. After the application of the questionnaire, it was aimed to increase the knowledge and awareness of the students by making a short presentation about testicular cancer.