From declared interest to non-participation: a feasibility study of a multi-stage testicular cancer prevention intervention among young men.
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BACKGROUND: Testicular cancer primarily affects young men, yet engagement in preventive behaviors, including testicular self-examination (TSE), remains limited. From a public health perspective, it is important not only to assess knowledge and attitudes, but also to examine whether preventive interventions can be implemented successfully under real-world conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and implementation of a multi-stage testicular cancer prevention project conducted in an academic setting. METHODS: The study was designed as a diagnostic-educational project consisting of three stages: a baseline survey, an educational component (online materials and workshops on TSE), and a follow-up survey. Approximately 600 men affiliated with the academic community were invited to participate. Process indicators included recruitment reach, participation in the educational component, and retention across study stages. RESULTS: The baseline survey was completed by 76 participants (12.6%). No participants attended the educational workshops, and 8 individuals completed the follow-up survey (10.5% of the baseline sample). Findings from the diagnostic stage indicated low engagement in preventive behaviors and limited knowledge of correct TSE technique. Although respondents expressed interest in health-related topics, this interest did not translate into sustained participation in subsequent stages of the project. CONCLUSIONS: Limited engagement in the educational component should be interpreted not only as a study limitation, but also as an observation suggesting the presence of barriers to participation in preventive interventions delivered under real-world conditions.The results suggest a need for interventions that are better aligned with the preferences of young men, particularly with respect to anonymity, low-threshold access, and psychologically less demanding formats.