This guide was made by kirbywiggin and she deserves all the credit for it. happy

Testicular Self-Examination

How often should I do this?

Monthly. It's best to do it on the same day every month so that you will get into the habit of doing it regularly.


How should I prepare for it?

Get to know what your own testicles feel like. This will allow you to recognize any changes or abnormalities.


When is the best time to perform the examination?

You should perform the examination right after a warm shower or bath, when the scrotum is relaxed. This makes it easier to spot any abnormalities.


Will doing a monthly testicular self-examination prevent or reduce the risk of testicular cancer?

No. It only allows you to detect signs of cancer early, when it is most likely to be cured. If you have a family history of testicular cancer, you should do more research to learn about prevention.


Okay, what do I do?

* Stand in front of a mirror. Check for any swelling on the scrotal skin.

* Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top. Gently roll the testicle between the thumbs and fingers, checking for lumps or areas of particular firmness. A normal testicle is smooth, oval, and uniformly firm to the touch. You shouldn't feel any pain when doing the exam. Don't worry if your testicles differ slightly in size; this is normal.

* Find the epididymis, the soft, tubelike structure behind the testicle that collects and carries sperm. Become familiar with where it is located so that you will not mistake it for an abnormal lump. Cancerous lumps usually are found on the sides of the testicle but can also show up on the front. Lumps on the epididymis are not cancerous.

* If you find a lump on your testicle, see a doctor, preferably a urologist, as soon as possible. The abnormality is not necessarily cancer, but if it is, it will spread if it is not stopped by treatment. That is why early detection is very important. Please note that free floating lumps in the scrotum that are not attached in any way to a testicle are not testicular cancer. But, because these differ from person to person, it is important to know your own testicles, so you will know what is normal and what is not.


Other signs of testicular cancer to keep in mind are:

* Any enlargement of a testicle
* A significant loss of size in one of the testicles
* A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
* A dull ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin
* A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
* Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
* Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts


These are generally not signs of testicular cancer:

* A pimple, ingrown hair or rash on the scrotal skin
* A free floating lump in the scrotum, seemingly not attached to anything
* A lump on the epidiymis or tubes coming from the testicle that kind of feels like a third testicle
* Pain or burning during urination
* Blood in the urine or semen

HOWEVER, better safe than sorry. If you're worried about something, get it checked out!




Breast Self-Examination

How often should I do this?

Monthly. It's best to do it on the same day every month so that you will get into the habit of doing it regularly. If you have a regular period, do it about a week after your period ends, when your breasts will not be tender or swollen.


How should I prepare for it?

Get to know what your own breasts feel like. This will allow you to recognize any changes or abnormalities.


When is the best time to perform the examination?

You should perform the standing part of the examination during a warm shower or bath. Some breast changes are more easily felt when your skin is wet and soapy.


Will doing a monthly breast self-examination prevent or reduce the risk of breast cancer?

No. It only allows you to detect signs of cancer early, when it is most likely to be cured. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you should do more research to learn about prevention.


Okay, what do I do?

Breasts are much more difficult to check for cancer than testicles. This is because breasts are naturally lumpy. This is why it especially important to become familiar with the normal shape of your breast. Some women find it helpful to keep a monthly journal to help them detect any changes.

* Stand in front of a mirror, shoulders straight and hands on your hips. Once you get to know your breasts, check to make sure that they are their usual size shape and color. Look for any dimpling and bulging of the skin.

* Repeat the above step with your arms raised above your head.

* While still in front of the mirror, check your nipples to see if either has inverted or changed its position. Also squeeze each nipple between your thumb and forefinger to check for any discharge (a milky or yellow fluid or blood). If you are pregnant, nursing, or have recently given birth, you'll need to learn to discern breast milk from abnormal discharge.

* Lie down and put a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head. Use the pads of the three middle fingers of your left hand, keeping them flat and together, to feel for lumps on your right breast. Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal

Move around the breast in a pattern. Use the same pattern every month. You can start at the nipple and move in progressively larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, from one side of the breast to the other. You can start at the nipple and move directly to the outer edge of your breast, repeating this all the way around the breast so that the pattern radiates out from the nipple.

* Repeat the above step with the pillow under your left shoulder and with your left arm behind your head, using the fingers of your right hand.

* Repeat the same examination of both breasts while standing upright (preferably in the shower). This position makes it easier to check the upper and outer parts of the breasts, toward the armpit. About half of breast cancers are found here.



Prevention

Glyconutrients are very helpful to prevention of all types of cancer. They will also help you if you already have cancer. The first group of doctors educated in glycoscience graduated in 2002, so do not expect your doctor to know what it is unless they graduated that year or after.

Ultra-Prevention: The 6-Week Plan That Will Make You Healthy For Life, by Mark Hyman, M.D. and Mark Liponis, M.D., is a book that I suggest everyone read, but is especially important for those who have a family history of cancer.

Women: Avoid dry cleaning your clothes because the chemicals that are left in the cloth increase the risk of breast cancer.

Also, consider carefully before taking estrogen replacement pills when going through menopause. An excess of estrogen can lead to many serious complications, including breast cancer.



<(^_^)> Other guides by kirbywiggin <(^_^)>

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happy Ultimate Guide to Happiness

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love Ultimate Guide to Love