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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Andrew Horowitz, BS, Brown Medical School, 176 4th Street, Providence, RI 02906, 401-270-6200, Andrew_Horowitz@brown.edu, Steve E. Reinert, MS, Lifespan Information Services, Rhode Island Hospital, Coro Building, 167 Point Street, Suite 245, Providence, RI 02903, and Caldamone Anthony, MD, Department of Urology, Rhode Island Hospital, University Urologic Associates, Inc., 2 Dudley Street, Suite 174, Providence, RI 02905.

Introduction: More than 8,000 cases of testicular cancer occur annually in the USA, most commonly in young males, aged 15-35. Early diagnosis and treatment enhance survival; thus, knowledge of physician screening practices is important. We surveyed pediatricians and family physicians to assess screening practices, focusing on teaching testicular self-examination (TSE).

Methods: A survey examined pediatricians' and family doctors' practice of educating patients regarding testicular cancer and teaching TSE. Investigator-designed questionnaires were sent by standard mail, e-mail, and fax to physicians compiled from the directory of the major Brown University teaching hospital; all statistical analyses were performed with Stata v. 8.

Results: Responses were received from 209 of 458 physicians (45.6%). All routinely performed testicular exam, although frequency and age at initiation varied widely. Most physicians educated patients on testicular examination (71.0%), and taught TSE (67.8%). The most commonly used tool for teaching TSE was physician instruction (86.1%) and pamphlets (18.7%). Type of practice or gender did not correlate with screening. Physicians in practice for > 10 years more frequently educated or taught TSE. Physicians expressed need for other educational efforts, including age-appropriate pamphlets (74.2%), videos (16.7%), and websites (10.5%).

Conclusion: Our data indicates that testicular examination is routinely performed, but patient education and TSE practices are not done by 30-35% of physicians surveyed. Younger practitioners may be appropriate to target for educational interventions. Most physicians indicated that more effective teaching tools and increased patient awareness are needed. Results support our current initiative in developing age-specific TSE pamphlets, website, and video.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to

• Assess physician screening practices for testicular cancer.;
• Identify barriers to teaching testicular self-examination.; and
• Compare testicular screening practices of pediatricians and family medicine physicians.

Keywords: Patient Education, Cancer Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation