Subject(s)
Men's Health/statistics & numerical data , Mental Disorders/therapy , Mental Health/statistics & numerical data , Congresses as Topic , Crisis Intervention/organization & administration , Humans , Male , Mental Health Services/organization & administration , Quality of Life , Suicide PreventionABSTRACT
In 2004, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) published a Grade D recommendation for both testicular self-examination (TSE) and clinical evaluation to screen for testicular cancer in asymptomatic males. This review committee reaffirmed these recommendations in 2009 and again in 2011 (Testicular Cancer: Screening Release Date: April 2011. Final Update Summary: Testicular Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. September 2016). The 2011 USPSTF review found no significant evidence that would warrant a change from the last full review in 2004. We believe that the USPSTF erred in its assessments. As acknowledged in the task force report, testicular cancer is not believed to be preventable, and treatment of early detected testicular cancer is generally associated with very favorable outcomes; it is our belief therefore that every encouragement should be given to early detection. We are therefore requesting that the USPSTF review the D rating for testicular examination, both in a clinical setting and as self-examination. We are requesting this, as recent studies and public health warrant a change in grade. The new studies build on earlier studies that support the benefits of regular screening by individuals and their physicians. Further, and equally important, we believe that the current grade and attendant information confuses men and boys about the importance of self-care and wellness and continues to inadvertently reinforce negative cultural attitudes. We believe that adjusting the rating to a Grade B is both warranted and necessary.
Subject(s)
Early Detection of Cancer/standards , Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal/diagnosis , Preventive Health Services/organization & administration , Self-Examination/standards , Testicular Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Advisory Committees , Humans , Male , Practice Guidelines as Topic , United States , Young AdultABSTRACT
Men of all ages in the United States experience disproportionately higher rates of morbidity and premature death than females. The reasons for this are complex and include biological, sociological, and health system-related issues, but this is also in part due to the fact that men and boys tend to lead more risky lifestyles and generally avoid preventive care when compared with women and girls. These disparities not only affect males but also their loved ones and can adversely affect their participation in the workforce and in their communities. Better understanding of the drivers of men's health disparities is needed to enable health professionals to more effectively address this problem. One of the fundamental building blocks for changing health care delivery to males is to provide a core curricular framework for education and training of health professionals related to the specific health issues of men and boys. This article will present a study assessing what men's health courses are available in the United States and identifying the content within such courses that will prepare health care professionals to deliver programs and care to this demographic. The study identified that as of 2012, there were only 21 courses in 18 institutions that address gender-appropriate health care for boys and men. The authors conclude that developing and incorporating an expert, consensus-based men's health core curriculum in universities and colleges, particularly in health professional programs, is an extremely important cornerstone in advancing the science and practice of true and balanced gender-based care delivery.
