Press Release
| For More Information Contact: | For Release: |
| Susie Knox, Public Health Nurse | Date: 6-25-01 |
| Phone: (937) 642-0801 | |
| Fax: (937) 642-1568 |
Breast & Testicular Self-Exams
“As Women’s Health Specialist for the Union County Health Department, and a breast cancer survivor, I know the power of self-exams,” said Susie Knox. The Health Department stresses the importance of discussing monthly breast self-exams for females and testicular exams for males.
The American Cancer Society offers the following facts about breast cancer:
 | Breast cancer occurs in 1 out of 8 women. |
| All women are at risk for breast cancer. |
| Men can get breast cancer, however, it is considered rare. |
| Early diagnosis is the most important factor to surviving breast cancer. |
Some factors increase a women’s risk of breast cancer. However, be aware that even “low risk” does not mean “no risk”. There is no way to predict which of us may develop breast cancer, or at what age, so monthly breast self-exams are essential.
Often a woman discovers a mass or lump herself. By regularly examining her own breasts, a woman may be more likely to detect changes. In addition, it provides greater opportunity for discovery of a lump vs. waiting for an annual exam with your health care provider.
Recommendations for Breast Self Examination (BSE)
| The best time for BSE is about a week after your period, when breasts are less tender and swollen. If you do not have periods or have irregular periods, then do BSE the same day every month. |
| Do your exam both lying and standing |
| Press firmly with the pads of your fingers |
| Move around the breast in a pattern, making sure to cover the entire breast area |
| Try to remember how your breast feels month to month |
| Stand in front of a mirror and check your breasts for dimpling of the skin, redness, swelling, changes in the nipple, or nipple discharge. |
| If you find a lump or any changes, consult your medical provider right away. |
Keep in mind, most breast changes are not cancer; however, a medical provider should evaluate any breast changes. Also, not all breast cancers can be felt. Therefore, the American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year.
For men, just be aware that breast cancer can occur. If you note a mass or lump in your chest area have it checked. Testicular self-exam is a greater concern to the male population. The American Cancer Society reports that most testicular cancer occurs in males between the ages of 15 and 40, but it can affect males at any age. Men need to be aware of the risk of testicular cancer and have any testicular mass evaluated by their medical provider.
Please review the following recommendations for Testicular Self-Exam (TSE). The best time for TSE is in (or after) a warm bath or shower, while the skin of the scrotum is relaxed. Examine each testicle separately. Hold the testicle between the thumb and fingers with both hands. Roll it gently between the fingers. Look and feel for any hard lumps or nodules, or for any change in size, shape, or consistency of the testes. Be aware that the testicles contain blood vessels, supporting tissues and tubes that carry sperm. These may be confused with cancer. If there are any doubts, check with your medical provider.
For more information consult your healthcare provider or contact the Union County Health Department at (937) 642-0801 or –1-888-333-9461 for non-local calls.