Check Your M8
How will you celebrate February, the month of love? You can start by being sure to Check Your M8!
This Valentine’s Day, the Prevent Cancer Foundation wants you to get up close and personal with your significant other to check his or her body for irregularities.
One key factor in detecting cancer early is performing self-checks to notice any abnormalities or changes on the body that could be cancerous. Skin, breast and testicular cancers can be detected early and successfully treated, if you take the time to check your body.
Check your skin once a month for any changes. Look out for new moles or growths you haven’t noticed before, pain or itchiness around a mole and dark colored spots with irregular edges. When looking at moles, follow the ABCDE rule:
Asymmetry: one half of the mole doesn’t match the otherBorder irregularity
Color that is not uniform
Diameter greater than 6mm
Evolving size, shape or color
When examining breasts, look out for lumps, changes in the size and shape of breasts, nipple pain or discharge or changes in skin color and texture. Start at-home breast exams in your 20s and have a clinical breast exam by a health care professional at least every three years. At age 40, have an annual clinical breast exam and have an annual mammography.
When checking testicles, look out for painless lumps, enlargement or swelling in either testicle or changes in how the testicle feels. Also take note of pain in the lower abdomen, back and groin. Talk to your doctor about routine testicle exams during your annual physical.
If you notice any of these changes, contact your health care professional immediately.
This February, show your mate how much you care, because there is nothing more romantic than saving his or her life!
For more information on cancer prevention and early detection visit preventcancer.org. Become an advocate and help Stop Cancer Before it Starts!
