How Self-Checking Can Catch Cancer Early
Early detection and cancer screening is vital: Many cancers are much easier to treat if caught early, and even some of the deadliest forms may be cured–if detected early in their progression.
Very few people have regular cancer checkups, which is why it’s essential to self-check.
Self-Checking For Cancer In Parts of the Body You Can See or Touch
Breast Self-Check
According to the American Cancer Society, the average risk for a woman in the U.S. to develop breast cancer is about 13 percent. It’s essential to perform self-checks and to make them a part of your shower routine. Find detailed steps to a breast self-exam you can follow.
Testicles Self-Check
One in 270 men will develop testicular cancer in their lifetime. This cancer is considered relatively common and is highly treatable. Here’s how to perform a thorough self-check of your testicles.
Skin Cancer Self-Check
Skin: Skin cancer is another common cancer that affects about 1.3 million Americans every year. Most cases are treatable, and the few that are dangerous can be successfully treated, if you caught in time. Follow these skin cancer self-check steps to do a proper self-check for skin cancer.
Checking Parts of the Body You Can’t Touch or See for Cancer
Self-exams for cancers that affect the parts of the body that cannot be easily seen or reached —like the soles of the feet, the back, and the scalp and behind ears—can be performed with mirrors or by a partner, massage therapist or even hairdresser. Be sure to ask these service providers to let you know if they see anything suspicious—or just different.
Self-checks for places that cannot be reached — like internal organs — involve self-awareness, If anything is out of the ordinary, it’s important to be vigilant about it and check with your doctor if any issue is concerning you. For example, if you have a persistent cough or heartburn, blood traces in your stool, or anything else out of the ordinary, you need to see your doctor.
With these areas, it’s equally crucial to be aware of the differences in your body. Remember, these symptoms aren’t absolute indicators that you have cancer, but it’s important to check to be certain.
The Bottom Line: Cancer Self-Checks
Regular cancer screenings are undoubtedly helpful, but they’re not your first available line of defense, self-checks are your best chance of catching cancer symptoms early. Performing regular self-checks can be extremely beneficial in catching several cancer types. Thousands of men and women diagnosed with cancer each year turn to our trusted team of cancer specialists. We encourage you to call us at 850-610-3743, ask us a question, or consult with us to get a second opinion, so you too can experience the difference.