Background and Context:
Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor in young men between the age of 15 through 39. Its incidence has doubled in the last 40 years. Detected in early stages and with the right treatment, prognosis is good with a cure of up to 99%. According to the 2010 National Population Census in Mexico, 50% of the 112 million are 26 years old and under.
Aim: General public
Strategy/Tactics: Conferences and information posts in social media
Fundacion Rebecca de Alba (FRA) developed an attention model with testicular cancer patients at the National Cancer Institute (InCan) Mexico. Common denominator of the 155 males treated, was the lack of information regarding testicular cancer as well as the embarrassment, due to cultural beliefs, associated to masculinity, in being medically evaluated when having any symptoms in one or both testicles. FRA considered the urgency to inform the general public through an awareness campaign, of the importance of prevention and early detection through periodical self examination. With an ordinary and informal language accessible in social media and in conferences in universities, organizations and companies in the private sector. A questionnaire is handed out to the attendees to evaluate the conference and their previous knowledge on the topic.
Programme/Policy Process: Ongoing
Outcomes/What was learned: 151 conferences given to 20,608 attendees from March 2011 through September 2014. 41% completed the questionnaire stating they had some information on the existence of testicular cancer but little information on self examination. 34% considered the conference dynamic. 84 used the section under “observations” asking to be referred to specialized evaluation because of present symptomatology. FRA’s navigation center follows up these requests to medical evaluation.
Addressing a serious topic through simple and ordinary language is more powerful. Giving direct and personal follow up helps overthrow cultural barriers.