Tips and Tools

Examine Yourself: Techniques for Breast and Testicular Self-Examinations

[Note: breast and testicular self-examination may not be appropriate for everyone. Your doctor can help you determine if you stand to benefit from these techniques.]

Breast cancer and testicular cancer are unpleasant subjects to think about. But as they are both very common cancers, their existence cannot be ignored. Up to one in eight women will get breast cancer at some point in her life, and testicular cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men under 40.

While there's no surefire way to prevent either of these two cancers, self-examination may help boost the odds in your favour, depending on your age and medical history. Talk to your doctor to find out if breast or testicular self-examinations may be of value to you. If so, you can follow the techniques described below.

Last Modified: September 5, 2006