Body awareness reduces your chances of getting cancer

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Melanoma / Skin Cancer
Article Date: 11 Jul 2004 - 7:00 PDT


Body awareness is all about knowing your own body and what is normal for you. There are certain changes you can look out for that could be early warnings of some types of cancer. Most of the time there will be nothing to worry about. But by taking action early and seeking the advice of a doctor, you could have a much better chance of being treated successfully if cancer is present.

Carrying out checks from time to time for changes in the way your body looks and feels can help to detect breast cancer, testicular cancer and skin cancer at an early stage.

BE BREAST AWARE

Breasts change in size and shape during the monthly menstrual cycle and at different times in a woman's life. It's important to get to know what your breasts feel like at different times of the month. That way you are more likely to spot an unusual change. Things to look out for are

-- changes in the outline or shape of the breast

-- any puckering or dimpling of the skin

-- discomfort or pain in one breast, especially if it's new and persists

-- lumps or bumpy areas in the breast or armpit that are different from the same area in the other breast or armpit

-- nipple discharge that is not milky, bleeding or sore areas that do not heal, and changes in the nipple position or rashes.

There are many reasons for changes in the breast and most of them are harmless. But it's important that they are checked out by a doctor because they could be the first sign of cancer. If you're aware of any changes in your breast, tell your doctor without delay.

TESTICULAR CANCER: it's a whole new ball game

Men should check their testicles from puberty onwards to establish what feels normal for them. Although testicular cancer is rare, it is the most common cancer in men aged 20 to 39. The good news is that testicular cancer is almost always successfully treated, but detecting it early is very important.

The best time to check your testicles is in the bath or shower or just afterwards because the muscles in the scrotum (the sack that holds the testicles) are more relaxed.

Hold your scrotum in your hands so you can feel the size and weight of each testicle. It's quite normal to have one larger than the other or hanging lower than the other, but they should be about the same weight.

Next, feel each testicle and roll it between your thumb and finger. It should feel smooth. You'll feel a soft tube towards the back of each testicle, which is normal. This tube is called the epididymus.

Testicular cancer usually appears in only one testicle. Look out for the following warning signs

-- a hard lump on the front or side of the testicle

-- swelling or enlargement of the testicle

-- pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum

-- an unusual difference between one testicle and the other

-- a heavy or dragging feeling in the scrotum

-- a dull ache in the lower stomach, groin or scrotum

If you notice any of these changes, see your doctor as soon as you can.

MALIGNANT MELANOMA - be a molewatcher for life

The most serious skin cancer is called malignant melanoma. It often shows itself by a change in the normal look or feel of a mole on the skin. If you notice any changes it's important to act straight away. Most changes won't be cancer but must not be ignored. Successfully treating malignant melanoma relies on catching it at an early stage.

You should be aware of the normal appearance of your skin and know where any moles are and what they look like. That way you'll be able to spot any abnormal changes or the appearance of new moles.

Most moles remain harmless throughout a person's lifetime. But some can start growing or changing their shape, which is a sign that a cancer could be developing. The most common sites for malignant melanoma are the legs in women and the back in men. In older people, the face is also a common site. But malignant melanoma can grow anywhere, even on areas of the body that are not exposed to the sun like the soles of the feet or the buttocks. Look out for the following signs

-- an existing mole or dark patch that is getting larger

-- a new mole that is growing

-- a mole with a ragged outline - normal moles have a smooth, regular shape

-- a mole that has a mixture of different shades of brown and black - a normal mole is all one shade

-- an inflamed mole or one with a reddish edge

-- a mole that is bleeding, oozing or crusting

-- a mole that is bigger than all your other moles

-- a mole that is itching

If you find a mole that has any of these features, see your doctor as soon as possible.

For more information about looking after your skin in the sun and other types of skin cancer, go to the Sun and UV Light section of Reducing your risk.

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org

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