This post could get really hairy (no pun intended guys) due to the amount of information that needs to be covered on these signs of cancer, however, we are going to focus on two primary areas that are of utmost importance; breasts and testicles. So, if you have any questions about any signs of cancer that I miss in this post, feel free to comment or email us and we will be glad to cover your question.
So let’s get started with the signs of cancer for the breasts. Breast cancer will be diagnosed in over 230,000 women every year; it will take the lives of almost 40,000! This is an astronomical number in my opinion. The problem is, the signs of cancer for the breast can be detected very easily through self exams. Ask yourself a question; when should you be getting screened for the signs of cancer of the breast? Can you answer that off the top of your head? If you answered no, you could be at risk. Early detection of the signs of cancer of the breast is one of the main reasons for the decrease in deaths caused by this disease. The answer: Monthly self exams and clinical exams every 3 years at age 20, Monthly self exams and clinical exams every year at age 40. So, do you know how to do a self exam? Let’s go over that next.
Breast cancer self exams aren’t hard to do. Once a month, after you turn 20, you can do the exam by the rule of 3. Use 3 fingers and examine the areas around your breasts 3 fingers past the edges. Using the pads of your fingers, press in to a depth of as much as 1 inch and make passes up and down to detect any hardening or lump as small as a grain of rice. Keep in mind that you have lymph nodes around the armpit about the size of a small marble or pea. Remember, early detection of the signs of cancer of the breasts is the best prevention of cancer related death due to this disease. The cool thing; this exam can be done by a significant other;-)
Next, let’s talk about testicles. Testicular cancer will be diagnosed in around 8,290 males each year. Deaths will result in about 350 of those new cases. Luckily for males, the rate of death because of this type of cancer is only about 1 in 5,000. Never-the-less, early detection of the signs of cancer of the testes is a must. This may shock you; all males should perform a testicular self examination each month starting at the age of 14 in an effort to detect signs of cancer. Testicular self examinations aren’t hard (snicker) to do. Basically, all you have to do is roll them between your forefinger and thumb. Start at the top of each testicle and work your way all around them to the bottom. You will feel a rope like structure in the scrotum. This is normal, this is the epididymis (the sperm holding thingy). However, you are looking for lumps or hardenings as small as a grain of rice. You should do self examinations after a warm shower or bath because of the relaxed state of the scrotum.
There are many more signs of cancer affecting both of the areas discussed; however, these areas are the most important to me. Simply detecting the signs of cancer of the breast could keep breast cancer from being the second leading cause of death in females. Here’s a recap:
• Women: push in, Men: roll around.
• Women: start self exams monthly at age 20, clinical exams annually at age 40. Men: self exam monthly at age 14, report any changes to your doctor.
• You are trying to detect a lump or hardening the size of a grain of rice or smaller. Be very attentive and do it in front of a mirror for added visualization.
• If there is any change, i.e. reddening, swelling, discharge, call your doctor.
• For added flavor in the bedroom, allow your significant other to do your exam for you!!
If you have any questions about the signs of cancer regarding the testes or breasts, please feel free to contact us.