Want to catch small problems before they get bigger? Regular self-exams are a quick way to spot changes early. You don’t need fancy tools. A few minutes once a month can help you notice lumps, new spots, or anything that feels off.
For breasts: stand in front of a mirror with shoulders straight and arms at your hips. Look for dimpling, puckering, or changes in shape. Raise your arms and check again. Lie down and use the pads of your fingers to feel the breast tissue in small circles from the collarbone to the ribs and from armpit to cleavage. Press light, medium, and firm. Check the nipples for discharge or inversion. Do this once a month—ideally a few days after your period if you have one.
For testicles: do this once a month after a warm bath or shower when the scrotum is relaxed. Hold the penis out of the way and examine each testicle separately. Roll it gently between thumb and fingers—feel for lumps, firm areas, or changes in size. The epididymis (a soft tube at the back) is normal; lumps on the testicle itself are not. If you notice hard lumps, sudden swelling, or pain, see a doctor quickly.
Skin checks are about spotting new or changing moles. Use a full-length mirror plus a hand mirror to see your back, scalp, and the backs of your legs. Look for the ABCDEs: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color changes, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving size or shape. Also watch for sores that don’t heal or new firm bumps. If you have many moles or a family history of skin cancer, check more often and consider photos to track changes.
Oral checks are fast and useful. Use a bright light and look at your lips, gums, inner cheeks, tongue, and the floor of the mouth. Feel for lumps, white or red patches, or sore areas that don’t heal in two weeks. Tobacco and heavy alcohol use raise risk—get any persistent change checked.
What counts as a red flag? New lumps, sudden size change, persistent pain, unexplained bleeding or discharge, sores that don’t heal in two weeks, or fast-growing skin spots. Don’t ignore nagging changes even if they don’t hurt. Many serious conditions are easier to treat when found early.
If you find something: stay calm, note when you first saw it, take a photo if useful, and book an appointment with your doctor. Be direct—say you found a lump or a changing mole. Bring any questions and write symptoms down so you won’t forget.
Final tip: make self-checks part of a routine—same day each month, after a shower, or tied to another regular activity. Pair that habit with annual checkups and any recommended screenings from your doctor. Doing a little checking yourself complements professional care and helps you stay in charge of your health.
As a blogger, I want to share some crucial tips on spotting actinic keratosis early through self-examination. Actinic keratosis is a potentially dangerous skin condition that can develop into skin cancer if left untreated. To detect it early, look for rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and hands. Pay attention to any changes in size, color, or texture of existing spots or the appearance of new ones. Regular self-examination, along with annual dermatologist visits, can help in early detection and treatment of actinic keratosis.
Health and Wellness