The role of delay in stage III testicular tumours

Twenty-nine patients with stage III testicular tumours seen between 1979 and 1984 were analysed for the relation between delay in both diagnosis and chemotherapy, and prognosis. The complete response (CR) rate was 40% for patients who were treated within 6 months from onset of symptoms, and 26.3% for patients who had an interval longer than 6 months. We believe that delay in diagnosis and chemotherapy may affect the response to treatment. Health education of the male population for self-examination of the testes is an important factor to minimize this delay.