Self-Check
What to Check:
Breast Check – Men and Women
Mammograms
“Mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly 40% since 1990. One study shows mammography screening cuts the risk of dying from breast cancer nearly in half. Three out of four women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease and are not considered high risk.” Learn More
Male breast cancer is extremely rare. About 1% of breast cancers in the United States occur in males. But certain men do run the risk of getting breast cancer. Men who are at risk, or who have symptoms of breast cancer, may need to get a mammogram.
Self-exams
“A breast self-exam that you do for breast awareness helps you understand the normal look and feel of your breasts. If you notice a change in your breasts that seems abnormal or if you notice one breast is different when compared with the other, you can report it to your doctor.” Learn More
Colon Check – Men and Women
“The ACS recommends that people at average risk* of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam). ” Learn More
Liver Check -Men and Women
Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B. The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants at birth and for adults and those who may be at increased risk. Get tested for Hepatitis C, and get medical care if you have it. Home test kits are available from most retail pharmacy stores. Learn More
Lung Check -Men and Women
“Finding lung cancer early saves lives. It’s a fact. We know it works for breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. And now science has proven lung cancer screening saves lives, too.”Learn More
Mouth Check – Men and Women
“The do it yourself mouth cancer check that may save your life. Are you checking your mouth for cancer once a month? Do it regularly and save your life!” Learn More
Ovaries – Women
Pap Smear
“A Pap smear (or Pap test) is a quick, painless procedure that screens for cervical cancer. It involves examining cells taken from the cervix under a microscope. The test looks for abnormal cervical changes (cervical dysplasia)—precancerous or cancerous cells that could indicate cancer. If any are found, further testing, such as a colposcopy or biopsy, will be done in order to diagnose cancer. Learn More
Self-exam
“While not recommended by medical professionals, some females examine their own vagina and vulva at home. A vaginal self-exam is never a substitute for a professional assessment, but there may be situations when you may need to look at your own vagina and vulva. However, any self-exam of these areas has to be done carefully to reduce the risk of infection or damage to the fragile tissue. ” Learn More
Prostate – Men
“A prostate exam is a screening test to look for early signs of prostate cancer. The average prostate exam age is 50, but some people may need to start screenings as early as age 45. A prostate exam can’t tell you for sure if you have cancer, but an abnormal result means that you’ll probably need a prostate biopsy.” Learn More
Skin Check – Men and Women
“When caught and treated early, skin cancers are highly curable. And in the early stages of skin cancer development, you’re the one with the best chance to see changes. Self-exams are a simple way to look at yourself with a new focus that can save your life.” Learn More
Testicles – Men
“Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers among young men, yet many are unfamiliar with the disease and how easily they can play a role in detecting it. To help, testicular cancer expert Nirmish Singla from the Brady Urological Institute explains how — and why — you should perform regular self-checks. Learn More