Putting Health in Your Hands: Self-Examinations

by JACLYN PORTANOVA

Your Guide to Self-Examinations for Early Detection of Breast and Testicular Cancer

Self-examination is a tool that can be used to detect cancer in its early stages. It is something that can be done at home by anyone who wants to increase chances for early detection of abnormal changes to the body. Early detection of cancer allows for more treatment options and better outcomes. By educating yourself about the early signs of cancer, you can take charge of your health. With self-examinations, it is possible to detect testicular and breast cancers in some cases. The following outline will provide some facts about breast and testicular cancers and include some recommended instructions for self-examination.

TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION

Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men between the ages of 15 and 35 and is more common in Caucasians.

According to a 2011 study published in Clinics, testicular caner is easily diagnosable by self examination and is 96% curable if detected early.

In the same study, it was found that knowledge of testicular cancer was poor and young adult men were unaware of their risk for testicular cancer.

Due to lack of patient education, opportunities for early detection are often missed. Physicians recommend that their patients try to perform a testicular self exam (TSE) once a month. A monthly TSE will make you more familiar with the size and shape of your testicles which will allow you to notice any changes from your normal condition. If you notice any changes or experience pain you need to contact your physician. Changes in the testicles may or may not indicate testicular cancer. If testicular cancer is caught and treated early, it is almost always curable.

STEPS FOR TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION

Perform TSE after a hot shower or bath so your scrotum is most relaxed
Examine one testicle at a time, looking for lumps or an enlarged swollen testicle
Use both hands and roll your thumb over the top to stabilize testicle and use your middle and index finger behind the testicle and roll it back and forth

BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

Many medical professionals agree that beginning breast self-exams (BSE) in your 20’s is ideal. This is a way that you can learn what your breasts normally feel like and makes it easier for you to notice any changes in the way your breasts look or feel. Your breasts will feel differently depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. For this reason, it is best to do your self-examination after your period. The benefit of self-examination is early identification of breast cancer. According to a 2012 study published in The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, breast cancer incidence is highest for women of European descent in the U.S.

However, women of African ancestry have a higher incidence of cancer diagnosed before age 40 and have tumors with more aggressive features which limits therapies and leads to poorer outcomes.

When breast cancer is identified early, there is a much greater chance of survival. If you notice any changes with your breasts, you should contact your physician for further examination.

AMERUCAN CANCER SOCIETY: MNEMONIC = 7 "P"S

1. POSITION

You should perform the BSE in both a standing up and lying down position.

2. PERIMETER

Look to see if your breasts are symmetric. While few women have perfectly symmetrical breasts, a 2006 study published in Breast Cancer Research , found that greater breast asymmetry was related to an increased risk for breast cancer. Nevertheless, keep in mind that one side is usually slightly different from the other and minor differences should not cause alarm.

3. PALPATION

Visualize the breast as a “clock”: 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00. Using the flat parts of your fingers (the pads), apply firm, circular motions, palpate the breast tissue from the collarbone, all the way down to the bra-line and around to the arm pits. However, just because you feel a lump does not mean it’s cancer. The breast is made up of fat which is often lumpy. You need to know where your normal lumps are and if they are changing.

4. PRESSURE

Use light pressure on your breasts the first time around, then firmer pressure the second time. Avoid using the tips of your fingers and instead use the pads, which have many nerve endings and are very sensitive.

5. PATTERN

The smoothest skin on a woman’s body is over the breasts. There should not be any dimpling or retractions on the skin.

6. PRACTICE

Learning about what is normal and abnormal takes practice. Feel and learn what is normal for you so you can be aware of any changes.

7. PLANNING

The best time to do your BSE is after your period. Before and during your period breasts tend to be more lumpy and painful. Wait until your hormones are at their baseline, which is usually after you finish your period, before checking your breasts. For women who are menopausal, use the calendar as a reminder to check your breasts once a month.

CHECKING UNDER THE ARMS

The breasts are triangularly shaped and reach under the armpits, which is why you need to check under the arms. You need to check under the armpits for lymph nodes which are similar to the lymph nodes/glands in your neck that can become enlarged when you get sick with a cold or sore throat. Lymph nodes are approximately the size of raisins, so anything firm and bigger than a raisin needs to be reported.