Ward Kenneth D, Vander Weg Mark W, Read Mary Cocke, Sell Marie A, Beech Bettina M
Department of Health and Sport Sciences, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA.
Prev Med. 2005 Aug;41(2):386-98. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2005.02.003.
Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common neoplasm affecting males between 15 and 35, and testicular self-examination (TSE) has been recommended for early detection. Studies have found that young adult men have poor awareness of TC and low rates of performing TSE, but little research has examined adolescents.
In a comprehensive survey of health behaviors among adolescent boys (n = 213, mean age 15.4 years) who participated in a community-based youth organization (Boy Scouts of America), we assessed whether respondents had heard of TC and the frequency of performing TSE.
Nearly 73% of scouts had heard of TC, but only 10.3% performed TSE at levels consistent with current recommendations (10 or more times per year). Compared to whites, blacks were less knowledgeable about TC and less likely to perform TSE. Knowledge of TC also was associated with participation in physical education classes and the intention to graduate from college. TSE was associated with greater health care access and the use of personal flotation devices during water activities.
TSE is underutilized as an early cancer detection tool. Efforts are needed to increase TC knowledge among black adolescents and to integrate TSE education with promotion of healthy behaviors in community organizations.
睾丸癌（TC）是15至35岁男性中最常见的肿瘤，睾丸自我检查（TSE）被推荐用于早期检测。研究发现，年轻成年男性对睾丸癌的认识较差，进行睾丸自我检查的比例较低，但针对青少年的研究较少。
在对参与社区青年组织（美国童子军）的青少年男孩（n = 213，平均年龄15.4岁）的健康行为进行的全面调查中，我们评估了受访者是否听说过睾丸癌以及进行睾丸自我检查的频率。
近73%的童子军听说过睾丸癌，但只有10.3%的人按照当前建议的水平（每年10次或更多次）进行睾丸自我检查。与白人相比，黑人对睾丸癌的了解较少，进行睾丸自我检查的可能性也较小。对睾丸癌的了解还与参加体育课和大学毕业的意愿有关。睾丸自我检查与更多的医疗保健机会以及在水上活动中使用个人漂浮装置有关。
睾丸自我检查作为一种早期癌症检测工具未得到充分利用。需要努力提高黑人青少年对睾丸癌的认识，并将睾丸自我检查教育与社区组织中促进健康行为相结合。
