Cancer has become a large source of anxiety in every day life, whether shopping for food with fewer preservatives, walking through areas filled with second hand smoke, or even going outside to enjoy some of the sun's rays.
When it comes to breast and testicular cancer, all students need to do to ensure a healthy, cancer-free lifestyle is take a little time for self-examinations.
From 2007 to 2008, the amount of new breast cancer cases grew by over 3,500 and new testicular cancer cases grew by over 100, according to www.cancer.org.
With a little over 22 percent of all cases of breast cancer and nearly 5 percent of all cases of testicular cancer resulting in death, the increasing danger makes it a necessity to check oneself more than the usual once a year.
When it comes to prevention, take a lesson from eighties pop sensations the Divinyls and "touch yourself."
In light of growing breast cancer rates, www.nlm.nih.gov has provided important information as well as the proper steps one should take in conducting a self-breast examination. According to the Web site, these exams should be done at least once a month after a woman turns 20.
Women need to make sure that breast exams are done three to five days after menstruation to reduce tenderness and lumpiness. Exams performed monthly should be done at the same time after each monthly cycle to keep it consistent, according to the Web site.
Many physicians recommend performing a self-breast exam lying down to guarantee the best access to all the breast tissue. Many prefer to do the exams in the shower due to the slippery atmosphere and accessibility.
Start with putting one hand behind the head and use the two middle fingers of the other hand to examine the breast with firm yet gentle pressure. According to the Web site, breast tissue continues into the armpit and females should be sure to examine this easily forgotten area.
Diagrams are available on the Web site with suggestions on how to conduct the exam properly.
According to the Web site, feeling for anything new, lumpy or thick, is the best way to go about the exam and after a couple times it will be easier to tell what is different from the last time.
Another way of detecting breast cancer is simply by keeping a look out. Looking at the breast directly or in a mirror for difference in shape, skin texture, or changes in the nipple can detect a change occurring on the inside.
Although testicular cancer's risk is not as high as breast cancer, the need for regular checks is still applicable. The death rate for testicular cancer has not increased since 2007, but with the proper instruction the rate can be lowered.
When it comes to the testes the shower is the preferred time for self-exam since it allows the skin to stay warm and relaxed throughout the entire process, according to the Web site.
Examine the testicles with the thumb and forefinger and feel for hard lumps. The testicles should feel firm but not rock hard and one could be larger or lower than the other.
According to the Web site, immediate physicians attention is needed if the testes cannot be located, if there is a collection of tubes above the testes or if there is pain or swelling as it could be an infection.
Certain lumps can be a natural occurrence, but any concern should be discussed with a doctor.
Self-exams play an important role in cancer detection but many doctors stress the fact that regular visits to the office for physician-administrated exams provide the most accurate results.
Overcome the initial fear of feeling for lumps and bumps and keep your personal health as the number one priority.
And as that old adage goes "check yourself before you wreck yourself."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
