Many still have no idea why self-examination matters

We have been preaching a lot on how early cancer detection saves lives. And here it is not just early detection, but regular cancer screening. An initial cancer screening is always, someone’s palm away. And here comes the so-called self-exam.

Self-exam, is the technique which allows an individual to examine his particular body tissues for any physical, or visual changes chat may sometimes associate with early symptoms of cancer.

It is recommended for people aged 18 and above to perform it as often as possible every month.

As a medical professional anyway, I confess that, self-exam, still remains a challenge, probably due to misinformation.

I recently had a chance to talk to an audience at one of the medical events, and I discovered that there is need to empower people in our societies on the importance of self-examination. Instead of waiting for the day to lie on examination bed in a doctor’s room which can sometimes be too late, they should know that the very first cancer examination, is in their hands.

Today therefore, let’s talk about self-examination for cancer, which you cannot afford to miss, and how important are they; and let’s start with the type of cancer which I am sure we have all heard of and that is a breast cancer.

This is type cancer that forms around breast tissue. Initially it was assumed that only women suffer from this type of but men get breast cancer too.

Although women still remain by far prone compared to men. Like any type of cancer, breast cancer can be treated if detected early and through self exam, one can catch it at its early stages.

Several medical procedures like mammogram, which is common applicable, can help women to detect cancer, unfortunately men don’t go through mammogram.

For women, The best time to perform a self-exam is about one week after menstruation begins.

If you no longer menstruate, just pick a day of the month that’s easy to remember. Remove your clothes from the waist up and lie down, which causes the breast tissue to expand over your chest.

This makes the tissue as thin as possible, which in turn makes it easier to feel what you’re looking for. And if you find persistent lump and painless lump, it’s time to see your doctor.

Another type of cancer that one can get self exam at home is prostate cancer. A type of cancer that is seen when prostate becomes enlarged. Men are increased risk of getting prostate cancer at some point in their lives.

And the sad part of it, majority of men tend to skip prostate cancer screenings due to what they think, an embarrassing screening procedures which is perceived very wrong.

This makes men catch prostate cancer at the late stage when it becomes far from possibility for successful treatment.

But the good thing is, if you are not feeling confortable to visit your doctor so often, prostate cancer can be examined by oneself at home.

Get into the right position. Either resting on your side with your knees up or standing inclining forward with your hips flexed. This allows easy and relaxed entry to your rectum and prostate.

Review the area for any skin conditions. This will either require some convenient work with a hand mirror or the help of a life partner or close friend. Examine your rectal area outwardly for any skin conditions, for example, blisters, warts, or hemorrhoids. You will just utilize your forefinger for the exam, yet you ought to in any case wear gloves