Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a rare type of cancer, but the most common cancer that occur in men aged 15 to 34   in the U.S.

Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles (testes). The testes are located inside the scrotum, the loose bag of skin underneath the penis. The cause of testicular cancer is unknown, but it is very treatable even if it has spread outside the testicle. Regular testicular self-examinations can help identify growths early, when the chance for successful treatment of is highest.

Check yourself Monthly:
A testicular self examination is best performed after a warm bath or shower because heat relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to spot an abnormality.

To perform the check :
    • Stand in front of a mirror. Look for any swelling on the skin of the scrotum.
    • Examine each testicle with both hands.
            » » Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle and the thumbs on top.
            » » Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers.
            ( One testicle may seem slightly larger than the other. That's normal.)
    • Find the epididymis, a soft, straw like structure behind the testicle.
            » » If you are familiar with this structure, you won't mistake it for a suspicious lump.
            » » Cancerous lumps usually are found on the sides of the testicle, but may be on the front.
    • If you find a lump, see a doctor right away.
            » » The abnormality may not be cancer, but if it is, it can spread if not treated.
    • Only a physician can make a positive diagnosis.

Oral Cancer

Daily tooth brushing and bi-annual dental checkups are essential for good oral health.
An oral cancer examination and screening is best done by your dentist, but individuals, especially smokers and those who use smokeless tobacco, can perform this examination between dental visits to check for any early signs of oral cancer.

An oral self examination can find suspicious areas in your mouth that may need attention mouth early on. If you notice any changes in the skin of your mouth, cheeks, or throat, have difficulty chewing or swallowing, notice numbness of the tongue or other parts of the mouth, please contact your dentist or health care provider immediately.

When performing an oral self-examination, look for the following:
    • Sores in the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal.
    • Lumps or thick spots on the your cheek that can be felt with your tongue.
    • White or red patches on the gums, tongue or anywhere in the mouth.
    • Soreness or a feeling that something is caught in the throat.
    • Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue.
    • Swelling of the upper or lower jaw that causes your dentures to fit poorly and hurt.

To perform an oral self-exam:
    • Use a bright light and a mirror.
    • First, remove any dentures.
    • Press along the sides and front of the neck and feel for tenderness or lumps.
            » » Do the same on your face.
            » » Take note of any bumps or swelling.
    • Pull your upper lip up and look for sores and color changes on your lips and gums.
            » » Repeat this on your lower lip.
    • Use your fingers to pull out your cheeks and look for red, white or dark patches.
    • Put your index finger on the inside and your thumb on the face (cheeks) and feel for lumps.
            » » When possible, use one finger inside your mouth and one finger on the outside corresponding to the same place and feel for unusual bumps, swelling or tenderness.
            » » Repeat on other cheek.
    • Tilt your head back and open your mouth wide to see if there are lumps or color changes.
    • Grab your tongue with a cotton gauze and examine for swellings or color changes.
            » » Look at the top, back, and each side of your tongue.
    • Touch the roof of your mouth with the tip of the tongue and look at the underside of the tongue and the floor of your mouth.
            » » See if there are color changes or lumps.
    • If you find anything unusual, contact your doctor.

Skin Cancer

Regardless of age or complexion, a regular skin self-exam to check for skin cancer, including melanoma is important. Many skin cancers take a long time to become apparent to an individual.

It's best to begin by learning where your birthmarks, moles and other marks are, and their usual look and feel, so that you will readily notice if things are changing. Persons who live in a warmer climate and spend much of the day outside during the hot weather need to be especially vigilant about checking for skin changes.

The best time to do this exam is after a shower or bath. Check your skin in a room with plenty of light in front of a full-length mirror, and with a hand-held mirror to check the back. Check yourself from head to toe. Don't forget to check your back, scalp, genital area and between your buttocks.

When performing a skin self-examination, look for the following:
    • New moles (that looks different from your other moles).
    • New red or darker color flaky patches that may be a little raised.
    • New flesh-colored firm bumps.
    • Changes in the size, shape, color or feel of an existing mole.
    • Sores that does not heal, especially those on the scalp.

To perform a skin self exam:
    • Look at your face, neck, ears and scalp.
            » » You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move your hair so that you can see better.
            » » You also may want to have a relative or friend check through your hair.
            » » It may be hard to check your own scalp.
    • Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror.
    • Raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.
    • Bend your elbows.
            » » Look carefully at the fingernails, palms, forearms (undersides also), and upper arms.
    • Examine the back, front and sides of your legs.
            » » Also look around your genital area and between your buttocks.
    • Sit and closely examine your feet, including toenails, soles and the spaces between your toes.

Breast Cancer

Yes, although rare, males do get breast cancer!

About 1 in 100 cases of breast cancer affect men, and usually occur between 60 and 70 years old.
Males have breast tissue just like women, so cancerous changes can occur. The cancer is usually discovered later when it has spread to surrounding tissues, because men usually have a low suspicion for breast cancer and experience less severe symptoms than females.

The likelihood of males getting breast cancer increases with age, and risk factors for developing breast cancer include:
        • Family history of breast cancer in female relatives
        • Obesity - increases risk by ∼30% ( Fat produces estrogen).
        • Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts ) in response to drugs, infections, poisons
        • History of radiation exposure to the chest
        • Diseases of the testicles - mumps, testicular injury
        • Kleinfelter syndrome - an extra X -chromosome present in males
If you have any of the above, a simple monthly breast self-exam is suggested to check your own breasts for lumps or anything that seems unusual.

The best time to perform a male breast self exam is during or right after a warm shower or bath as warm, soapy water relaxes and smoothes the skin, making the exam easier to perform.

What to look for :
        • Dimpled or puckered skin
        • Red, scaly Nipple or skin
        • Nipple discharge

To perform a breast self exam:
        • Check each breast one at a time
        • Use your right hand fingers to check your left breast and your left hand fingers to check your right breast.
        • With your fingers flat against the breast, press firmly in small, clockwise circles.
        • Start at the outermost top edge of your breast and spiral towards the nipple.
        • Feel for hard lumps or bumps in your breast. Be certain to cover all parts of your breast.
        • Gently squeeze both nipples and look for any discharge.
        • Look carefully for changes in the size, shape, and contour of each breast, e.g., puckering, dimpling, or changes in skin texture.