Caring
Easy cancer checks you can do at home
As life expectancy around the world continues to grow, so does the likelihood of developing cancer. However, despite more people than ever being diagnosed with cancer, we’re also more likely to survive it than ever. This is due not only to greater awareness and improved treatment, but also thanks to more and more people knowing what to look for. Here are just a few easy cancer checks you can do right now, right at home. You never know, you could save your own life.
Head and neck cancer
- Face – Look out for any new swellings, changes in moles or anything you haven’t noticed before. Turn your head from side to side to make bumps easier to see.
- Neck – Use your fingers to examine under your jaw and around your neck muscles. See if each side of the neck feels the same and keep an eye out for any swellings.
- Lips – Feel the inside of your mouth using your fingers, pulling your top lip upwards and bottom lip downwards to check for any sores or changes.
- Gums – Run your fingers along your top and bottom gums, feeling for anything unusual.
- Cheeks – Turn your cheeks inside out and examine them for any red or white patches in the mirror. Then, check the cheeks for any ulcers, lumps or soreness with your finger and tongue.
- Tongue – Gently grab hold of your tongue, lifting it in every direction and looking out for swellings, ulcers or changes in colour. Don’t forget to examine under your tongue, too.
- Roof of mouth – Tilt your head back, open your mouth and check for any sores or changes in colour or texture.
Skin cancer
- Get acquainted with your skin, using a mirror if necessary, noting any spots, moles or noticeable blemishes.
- Every three months, perform another self-examination, looking out for any new spots or changes in the size, colour, shape or texture of existing spots. If you do find new spots or changes, visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Breast cancer
- Feel around your breasts and become familiar with what it feels (and looks) like normally.
- Perform regular self-examinations, looking out for the following: dimpled, puckered or bulging skin, changes in the nipple, redness, soreness, rash or swelling.
- To check for lumps, feel around your breasts while lying down, then again while standing up, both with arms lowered and raised. Also, be on the lookout for any discharge from the nipples.
- If anything appears to be even slightly abnormal, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Testicular cancer
- A testicular self-examination should be performed every month, preferably during or after a hot shower or bath, as this is when the skin is most relaxed.
- Examine one testicle at a time, rolling it gently between your finger. You will be able to feel the epididymis, a soft, rope-like and slightly tender lump. This is normal.
- Feel for any lumps along the front and sides, but don’t dismiss any as being too small. A lump could be as small as a grain of rice.
- If you notice any bumps, swelling, pain, or changes in colour or size to your testicles, arrange an appointment with your GP right away.
As always consult with a doctor/medical professional if you have any questions.
Image: Getty