Testicular Exams
Testicular self-exam is a screening test used to look for abnormal growths on the testicles. Testicular cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in young men between ages 15 and 34, and between 500 to 1,000 men die of this disease yearly in the United States. Because it is highly curable when found early, it is important to perform regular self-exams. Self-exams should be performed monthly, from the teen years on.
The best time to do an exam is after or during bathing when heat causes the skin of the scrotum to relax. The purpose of the exam is to detect any unusual lumps, swellings, tenderness or excess fluid in the testicular area, which is located in the sac (the scrotum) below the penis. Any lumps or abnormalities should be reported to your health care provider right away. Any aching in the lower abdomen or groin, or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum may also be a warning sign of cancer.
How to do testicular
self-exams
Stand naked in front of a mirror and examine the scrotum visually for swelling. Examine each testicle separately by rolling the testicle between your thumb and the first two fingers of both hands. It is normal for one testicle to be a little bigger than the other. Check for lumps, swelling, or a change in the size or consistency of the testicle. Feel the epididymis, a cord-like structure, on the top and back of each testicle for any changes in firmness or thickness.
Growths may not be testicular cancer. But, because testicular cancer grows so rapidly that it is important to report any changes right away.
Breast
Exams
The American Cancer Society recommends all women over the age of 20 examine their breasts once a month. Although breast cancer is rare in college-age women, it continues to be a major health problem in older women. By examining your breasts regularly, you will know how your breasts normally feel. You should do an exam every month, two or three days after your period when your breasts tend to be less lumpy and tender. If you do not have regular periods, just do it the same day every month, on an easy-to-remember day such as the day that matches your birthday. If you are taking hormones, talk with your health practitioner about when to do breast self-exam.
How to Do Breast Self-Exam
In the Shower:
Place one hand behind your head. With fingers flat, carefully feel the entire breast for lumps or thickening. Use right hand to check left breast, left hand to check right breast.
In Front of a Mirror:
Look closely at your breasts. With arms over your head, notice if there are any changes in shape or size. Check for dimpling or puckering or changes in color of the skin or nipples, or spontaneous nipple discharge. Check with hands on hips, then with arms at sides, and then while bending forward slightly.
Lying Down:
Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using the sensitive finger pads of the middle three fingers on your left hand, press that breast gently in small circular movements. Start at the outside and move to the nipple. Be sure to completely feel all of the breast and chest area up under your armpit and up to the collarbone and over to your shoulder to cover breast tissue that extends towards your shoulder. After you have completely examined your right breast, examine your left breast using the same method and with your right hand, with a pillow under your left shoulder. Try using three different pressures– first, light pressure to just move the skin without jostling the tissue beneath. Then use medium pressure pressing midway into the tissue. And finally, use firm pressure to probe more deeply, down to the ribs or to the point just short of discomfort.
Women discover 85-90 percent of breast lumps themselves. Do not panic if you find a lump, as most are benign.
Breast cancer risk factors include age (risk increases, particularly after 50); having a mother or sister with breast cancer; previous occurrence of cancer in one breast; menstrual periods before age 12; having a first child born after age 30, or not having children; onset of menopause after age 55; obesity; a high-fat diet; regular consumption of alcohol; smoking; and history of endometrial or ovarian cancer. Remember, none of these risks means you are guaranteed to develop breast cancer and some women who develop breast cancer have no risk factors at all.
There are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing breast and testicular cancers. Cut down on fat- a diet below 30 percent fat is good, below 20 percent is ideal. Cut down or eliminate alcohol. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat a diet high in fiber. Exercise regularly and control your weight. A healthy lifestyle is the best way to assure good health, and performing regular self-exams can help you to catch any problems early.