Only 36.9% of men know how to conduct a self-examination to check for testicular cancer

Only 36.9 per cent of men know how to conduct a self-examination to check for testicular cancer, according to a study commissioned by The Marigold Foundation.

Dr Vincent Marmara and Dr Danika Marmara yesterday presented the study regarding testicular cancer awareness among men residing in the Maltese Islands.

The survey, the first of its kind, was carried out through a telephone interview in September 2019. The survey involved 400 individuals among the Maltese male population aged 16 years and over. Vincent Marmara said that the younger generation is much more aware of how to conduct a self-examination compared to the older generation. 55.4 per cent of those aged 26-44 knew how to conduct a self-examination test, while 74.7 per cent of the 66+ age group were unaware.

“Those individuals with a higher level of education are more aware of how to conduct a self-examination, when compared to those with a lower level of education. 58.9 per cent of those males with a first degree knew how to conduct a self-examination, while those with just a primary education did not.” He also mentioned that students, employees and those with a higher income are more aware of how to conduct such examinations, when compared to individuals who are unemployed and with a lower income.

Only 9.6 per cent were shown by a doctor as to how to perform testicular self-examinations, which results in a lack of knowledge on testicular cancer, they said. “Men said they never practiced self-examination because they did not know how to do it,” explained Danika Marmara said.

The study showed that 40.9 per cent of all respondents said that a testicular self-examination should be done once a month, whilst 38.9 per cent thought the practicing of self-examination once a year was enough, which is incorrect. Danika Marmara highlighted that this showed the lack of knowledge and information among the general public on the frequency of performing self-examinations, a lack of which can result in the late detection of testicular cancer.

93.6 per cent said that they did not have testicular problems and that 87.6 per cent claimed that they did not have any prior history of testicular cancer in their family. “6.2 per cent answered that they did have a history of testicular cancer in their family, and although seemingly a small percentage, it shows even more that we need such campaigns to promote the importance of selfchecking and testicular cancer,” said Vincent Marmara.

The 15-33 age group has the highest incidence of testicular cancer, yet in the study 49.8 per cent assumed there was no particular age group with the highest tendency of testicular cancer; reflecting once more the lack of knowledge among the general public, they added.

Danika Marmara explained some of the early signs and symptoms of testicular cancer - buildup of fluid or a feeling of heaviness or sensitivity in the scrotum, aching in the lower back and the most important early sign is the difference between the testicles and the presence of a lump or swelling in one of them.

“The study highlights that most respondents, 90.2 per cent, were ready to perform a testicular selfexamination on a regular basis to help detect early signs of testicular cancer,” she said. The study also revealed that 97.9 per cent of the respondents deem the need for public information on testicular cancer and self-examination is important.

Michelle Muscat, the chairperson of the Marigold Foundation also launched the first edition of Movember Rock-Ball as part of the campaign and to raise funds for those cancer patients.