Testicular Cancer Screening: A Narrative Review

Authors

Daniel Patrick Scott PA-C, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Primary Care Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Victoria Beloy

Abstract

ABSTRACT

It is estimated that there will be nearly 9,200 new diagnoses of testicular cancer in 2023. Of that number, roughly 470 deaths are anticipated. The etiology of testicular cancer is complicated and includes risk factors that are both environmental and genetic in nature. Screening for testicular cancer has been a bone of medical contention since 2004 when the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) promulgated that routine screening for testicular cancer shows absolutely no benefit in reducing the diagnosis of the disease or changing its overall clinical course or outcome.

For decades, however, patients and medical professionals alike have historically eschewed the importance of male reproductive health. The reasons appear to be multifactorial, including a lack of professional training and the pervasive psychosocial stigma associated with men’s health. These can ultimately lead to a dangerous, if not life-threatening, delay in seeking crucial medical care. Nevertheless, if screening for testicular cancer was perfunctory for the male reproductive physical exam, it is very likely scrotal anomalies, such as a testicular malignancy, et al, would be discovered at its earliest stage of development when treatment modalities and options are more likely to prove beneficial.

Inasmuch as testicular cancer represents the most common type of malignancy in young men, and is highly curable, it would be prudent for healthcare providers to take an integrative and active role in destigmatizing testicular health by advocating for and educating this often-overlooked medical population.

Recommended Citation

Scott DP. Testicular Cancer Screening: A Narrative Review. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2023; 5(2).