Survey data shows lack of awareness on prostate, testicular cancer

Recent surveys commissioned by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC) shed light on a lack of awareness on the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer among Americans, as well as common misconceptions about testicular cancer.^1,2

Both surveys were conducted using the SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus, which is a “national, twice-per-month, probability-based survey,” according to the OSUCCC.

Prostate Cancer Survey

For the prostate cancer survey, the investigators collected responses from 1004 adult participants from August 1 to August 4, 2025. Most responses were collected via the web (n = 974), with all other responses collected via phone (n = 30).

Among all respondents, 80% were unaware that prostate cancer often presents with no physical symptoms and is typically only diagnosed using a blood test.

“It begins in the prostate gland and in its early stages, often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is so important,” said Edmund Folefac, MD, medical oncologist at the OSUCCC – James and clinical associate professor at Ohio State College of Medicine, in the news release.¹ “Because prostate cancer tends to progress slowly, if caught early, it is very treatable.”

The data also showed that this was more commonly unknown among Black participants, who tend to have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared with other racial groups, according to the American Cancer Society.³ Overall, 12% of Black adults vs 21% of White adults identified that early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms.

Folefac added, “Knowing your family history is very important. If your father, brother or grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer, you have a higher risk of getting the disease, and you should start screenings early and regularly.”

However, data showed that Black participants were more likely than White participants to identify some of the lesser-known symptoms of prostate cancer. Overall, 33% of Black respondents vs 24% of White respondents identified fatigue as a symptom of prostate cancer, and 30% of Black respondents vs 20% of White respondents identified weight loss as a symptom.

Testicular Cancer Survey

The prostate cancer survey results follow an earlier survey surrounding Americans’ perceptions on testicular cancer. In total, the testicular cancer survey collected responses from 1008 adult participants via web (n = 978) and phone (n = 30). The survey was fielded from May 2 to May 5, 2025.

Across all respondents, only 13% correctly identified that testicular cancer most commonly affects men under 40. Further, although experts argue that self-exams are most relevant for men between the ages of 20 to 40 years, 65% of survey respondents stated that an evaluation should be part of an annual exam for men over the age of 40 years.

“In my experience, a lot of men are surprised that testicular cancer is most common among young men,” said Shawn Dason, MD, urologic oncologist at the OSUCCC – James, in the news release.² “It's something you're just not expecting in your twenties or thirties. A lot of young men’s focus might be on developing their career, their day-to-day life. That's a very different track of mind than perhaps your health.”

However, there were some encouraging findings. Overall, 63% of respondents correctly identified that testicular cancer is often curable if caught early, and 54% correctly said that monthly self-checks should be conducted.

“We are really fortunate in testicular cancer that the vast majority of patients are diagnosed at an early stage,” added Dason, who is also an associate clinical professor of urology at Ohio State College of Medicine, in the news release.² “That means the vast majority of patients are actually diagnosed before the cancer has had an opportunity to spread to other parts of the body.”

The survey also identified differing perceptions across age groups. Overall, 68% of survey respondents aged 18 to 29 years and 30 to 49 years correctly identified that testicular cancer affects fertility, compared with 61% of older respondents. Conversely, younger adults (18 to 29 years) were more likely than other age groups to incorrectly agree that testicular cancer symptoms are always painful (18%).

“Testicular cancer does not typically come with painful symptoms,” concluded Dason. “That’s why routine self-exams are so important to detect any lumps or changes to the testicle. If you feel something out of the ordinary, like a lump or bump, or if the testicle changes in size, call your doctor.”

REFERENCES

1. 80% of Americans don’t know early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms. News release. Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. August 28, 2025. Accessed August 28, 2025. https://cancer.osu.edu/news/prostate-cancer-signs

2. Only 13% of Americans correctly identify testicular cancer as most common in men under 40. News release. June 16, 2025. Accessed August 28, 2025. https://cancer.osu.edu/news/testicular-cancer-mmr

3. Prostate cancer risk factors. American Cancer Society. Accessed August 28, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html