How to Perform Regular Self-Exams to Self-Detect Cancer?
When it comes to cancer, early detection can save lives. Regular self-exams are an empowering way to stay proactive about your health. In this blog, we’ll walk you through breast, skin, and testicular self-exams, three simple routines that can help you spot changes early and talk to your doctor if something doesn’t feel right.
Understanding Why Self-Exams Matter?
According to the American Cancer Society, early detection increases survival rates significantly. For example:
- Breast Cancer: When detected early (localized stage), the 5-year survival rate is 99% (source).
- Skin Cancer: The 5-year survival rate for melanoma detected early is 99%, but drops to 32% if it spreads (source).
- Testicular Cancer: Early-stage testicular cancer has a survival rate of 95% or higher (source).
“The earlier a cancer is found, the better the chances of successful treatment. Self-exams help people recognize changes and seek medical advice promptly.” — Dr. Susan Mayfield, Oncologist
Breast Self-Exam (For Women and Men)
How to Do It:
When: Monthly, ideally a few days after your cycle ends (for women) or pick a consistent day each month (for men).
Where: In front of a mirror, in the shower, or lying down.
How:
- Look: Stand with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips. Look for changes like dimpling, puckering, redness, or nipple discharge.
- Raise Arms: Check for the same changes with arms raised.
- Feel: Use the pads of your three middle fingers. Move in a circular motion around the entire breast and armpit area, feeling for lumps, thickening, or any unusual changes.
Fact: According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 40% of breast cancers are detected by women who find a lump during a self-exam (source).
Skin Self-Exam
Skin cancer is one of the most common and most treatable cancers if caught early.
How to Do It:
When: Once a month.
Where: In a well-lit room with a full-length mirror and a hand mirror.
How:
- Head to Toe: Check your entire body, including scalp, face, neck, chest, arms, hands, back, buttocks, legs, and feet (don’t forget between your toes and under nails).
- What to Look For:
- New moles or growths
- Changes in size, shape, or color of existing moles
- Sores that don't heal
- ABCDE Rule for Moles:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other.
- Border: Edges are irregular or blurred.
- Color: Varied shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
- Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (6mm).
- Evolving: Changing over time.
Testicular Self-Exam (For Men)
Testicular cancer is most common in young men (ages 15–35), but it’s highly treatable if detected early.
How to Do It:
When: Once a month, preferably during or after a warm shower when the skin is relaxed.
Where: Standing up.
How:
- Gently hold each testicle between your thumbs and fingers.
- Roll it gently and feel for lumps, swelling, or changes in size or shape.
- It’s normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other.
- Note any heavy feeling or dull ache.
Fact: According to the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation, 90% of testicular cancers are first detected by men themselves, often during self-exams (source).
When to See a Doctor?
If you notice any changes like lumps, discoloration, or anything that feels off, don’t wait. Most changes are harmless, but it’s always best to get them checked.
Make It a Habit
Set a reminder on your phone, add a sticky note to your mirror, or make it part of your monthly routine. These self-exams take just a few minutes but can make a world of difference
At Cancer Control Mission, we believe that early detection saves lives. Regular self-exams are a simple yet powerful step you can take to safeguard your health and empower yourself in the fight against cancer.
Check yourself, know your body, and spread the word. Together, we can make early detection a habit and save lives, one self-exam at a time.
Feel free to share this blog with friends and family – after all, the more we know, the stronger we become.