The best way to fight cancer is to catch it in its early stages. In order to do that, we must learn how to recognize the symptoms of cancer, get regular check-ups, and perform self-examinations. The following tests and screenings can help save lives and reduce the suffering associated with cancer.

Self-examinations

Even when we have a low risk of getting cancer, we should learn how to perform self-examinations and find the five or so minutes every month it takes to do them. Listed below are a few common types of self-examination.

Breast exam

Start by looking at your breasts in the mirror. Be sure to straighten your shoulders and place your hands on your hips. Look for:

• Noticeable discharge
• Distortion or swelling
• Irregularities in size, shape, or color
• Nipples that are inverted, dimpled, or bulging
• Redness, soreness, or a rash

Now raise your arms and look for the same things again. Squeeze each nipple gently between the thumb and forefinger to check for any type of discharge.

Next, lie down and use the tip of your three middle fingers to feel your right breast with your left hand, then your left breast with your right hand. Check from side to side, covering the area from your armpit to your collarbone.

Follow a circular pattern and cover the entire breast. Start with a soft touch and gradually increase the pressure in order to feel the deeper tissue.

Finally, feel your breasts while standing or sitting using the same hand motions. A great place to do this is in the shower when the breasts are wet. Report any abnormal findings to your doctor.

Oral exam

Some of the early warning signs of oral cancer include:

• Sores on the neck, face, or mouth that don't heal after two weeks
• Lumps, bumps, or swelling on the lips, gums, or inside the mouth
• Dark, white, or red patches in the mouth
• Prolonged bleeding in the mouth
• Loss of feeling or pain in the neck, mouth, or on the face

To perform a self-examination for oral cancer, start by looking at your head and neck in the mirror. Look for any lumps, bumps, swelling, sores, bleeding, or discoloration in your mouth or around your face and neck. Stick out your tongue and check the color and texture of the surface.

Press your fingertips along the front and sides of your neck to check for any lumps or tenderness. Gently pull your lower lip down to check for sores or discoloration. Next, use the thumb and forefinger to feel inside the lips and cheeks for any lumps, bumps, or swelling.

Now run your finger along the roof of your mouth to check for irregularities. Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth and examine the underside of your tongue. Report anything abnormal to your doctor.

Testicular exam

A good time to do a testicular self-examination is in the bath or shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Holding the scrotum in the palms of your hands, use your fingers and thumbs to examine the testicles. Look for any noticeable increase in size or weight.

Next, gently feel each testicle for any lumps, swelling, or abnormalities. It is normal to feel a soft tube-like tissue at the top and back of the testicle. This is the epididymis and it stores and carries sperm. You should also feel the spermatic chord, a smooth, firm tube running up from the epididymis.

Men rarely develop cancer in both testicles at once, so if one testicle feels abnormal, compare it with the other. Report any abnormal findings to your doctor.

Tests and screenings

The American Cancer Society provides a series of screening guidelines for people with an average risk of developing cancer. It also advises people receiving periodic health examinations to have a cancer-related checkup that includes health counseling and tests for specific types of cancer, depending on the person’s age and risk level.

See also

• Healthy living
• Prevention techniques
• What is cancer?
• The fear and reality of recurrence