Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2011 for Pink Ribbons
Each year the incidence of breast and testicular cancer impacts hundreds of thousands of lives. Many times these cancers seem to hit without warning and are found only in a progressed stage.
With current knowledge and medical ability, this does not have to be the case. Early detection is the key in effectively dealing with cancer. Performing self-examinations, in addition to first maintaining routine check-ups and advice from your physician, can be greatly beneficial for you.
Examining Your Breasts
Always keep in mind that self examination IS NOT a suitable replacement for professional medical examination. Self-tests should only be used to enhance existing medical care and provide additional awareness. Prevention is key when dealing with cancer, thus any possible preventative measures can be beneficial.
If you choose to do routine self-exams, it is suggested that you first speak to your physician, at length, to ensure you are correctly applying techniques. You should also wait a period of 3 to 5 days -unless otherwise suggested by your doctor- after your period to test your breasts. The overall value of doing self-test breast exams is indeed debated, though professionals tend to hold them as a viable option for detection.
1. Lie on your back, placing your right hand behind your head. Using your left hand, follow the motions in the chart below in examining your breasts. You should be feeling for any unusual thick or lumpy area. Repeat the process, switching hands, for your left breast.
2. Sit-up and begin to examine the area under the armpit. As archived by the National Library of Medicine, many may fail to realize that breast tissue extends under the armpit. Do not skip this step of examination.
3. Stand in front of a mirror and do a visual inspection of the breasts. You should look out for any unusual lumps, indentations, warping of skin, or odd changes in the shape of the nipple or discharged fluid.
If you observe any change that is of concern, set up an appointment with your doctor. When dealing with the possibility of cancer, there is no such thing as having irrelevant questions or concerns. Men should also be aware of the incidence of male breast cancer. Do not dismiss any changes you are concerned about.
Discussion with a doctor, along with mammograms (especially if you are over 40), are great steps to prevention, early detection, and your quality of life.
Examining Your Testicles
Testicular cancer is an issue that often gets overlooked by young men. Though risk factors, such as family history and race, are predetermined, early detection is key in optimizing treatment. Even during Breast Cancer Awareness month, it is not a bad idea to have a discussion about testicular cancer.
According to the Medical College of Georgia, in the last 25 years testicular cancer has risen over 40%, accounting for 20% of all cancer in young males aged 15 to 35. This makes testicular cancer the most common cancers in this age group and raises the value of proper testing.
Self-tests are not a suitable replacement for tests conducted by a trained physician. Testing should be used as enhancement to routine visits and examinations by your doctors. As always, if you even think you notice a significant change or a warning sign, promptly set-up an appointment to have it professionally analyzed.
There is no such thing as an irrelevant question or comment when regarding your health.
1. Be aware of the internal structures of this region, namely the epididymis. This is the sensitive and soft, rope-like tube that carries sperm. You will feel it toward the back of each testicle. It is normal. Also, as you probably have noticed, it’s cool and common for one testicle to be larger. 
2. Many professionals suggest doing a self-test following a hot shower or bath, as the scrotum should be relaxed. Make sure you are only examining one testicle at a time.
3. Lightly grab a testicle and roll it within the fingers, using both hands. Specifically, put your thumbs on the top of the testicle (as indicated in graphic) while reaching your other hands behind it to grab and then roll.
4. Remember, you will feel the epididymis. This is normal. Feel for any unusual bumps, swelling, toughness, or lumps. Unusual lumps may be very small, so take your time when examining. If you feel unusual pain or discomfort, during or even any time outside of doing your test, allow your doctor to know as soon as possible.
Treating cancer is always better with early detection. Make sure you take steps toward preventing cancer from residing undetected by following proper advice from your physician and taking time to note changes in your body.
Medical College of Georgia: Testicular Cancer
National Cancer Institute: Testicular Cancer Information
National Institutes of Health: Breast Cancer
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Author: Mike Watson
Intrepid, bold and dashing, Mike Watson's investigative reporting prowess is only outdone by his burning desire to restore conservative values and morality to America. With a unique penchant for purity, Mike Watson's TV, Radio and writing inspire millions to know the truth behind American culture. Also on Facebook
7:00 am
You know the “family friendly religion site” this is it i hear.
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9:56 am
We need to point out that prayer is the most effective treatment for cancer.
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11:37 am
Bullshit it is.
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12:21 pm
Do you realize just how dangerous it is to say that?
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12:25 pm
This is a christian site for christians. And do you know how dangerous it is to not turn to prayer?
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12:31 pm
The liberals believe that modern medicine will work without God’s mercy. lol. Prayer has saved more souls than chemo ever could. But God helps those who help themselves, so pray at every meal, pray before bed, and obey your male doctor.
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12:33 pm
What about your female doctor? Shouldn’t you obey her, as well?
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12:34 pm
Some have had good results with female doctors. But how do you know that she is not on the period and giving you something wrong just because she is so pissed and irrational?
No sir, I’ll just stick with a level headed white man for my medical needs.
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12:38 pm
My dad’s cardiologist is female and she was the surgeon who performed his open heart surgery.
Oh, and not all women get moody during their periods. Many women just get cramps and that’s it. I find it disturbing that you think a woman would risk her license, career, and reputation because it’s her time of the month.
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12:41 pm
Maybe your father’s surgeon was post menopausal, so he lucked out. I prefer not to play Russian Roulette.
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12:42 pm
Women are a secondary creation and are therefore only qualified to work on secondary species like animals, women and minorities..
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12:46 pm
August, I hope your wife bludgeons you in the head for thinking like that.
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12:48 pm
Well Auggie, someone had to say it.
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8:01 pm
Well Ice, you see only some women get PMS. Every woman is different. I feel no difference between when I’m on my period, and when I’m not. Claire and Blanche (if she isn’t menopausal) could experience different things.
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10:58 pm
yeah thet only makes sense. I take care of myself but of course god gets the credit.
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11:02 pm
Not at all? I NEVER pray because your fictitious skyfairy doesn’t deserve it. HE WOULD BE AN ASSHOLE IF HE WERE REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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10:55 pm
Are you fucking stupid?
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11:24 am
I recommend having the mother do the testicular exam on her sons to avoid the temptation to masterbate. Even washing the private areas is a slippery slop to sin.
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12:22 pm
Um…why not the father instead?
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12:28 pm
That would be gay.
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12:30 pm
But chances are both the mother and son are heterosexual, which means that a mother performing such an exam on her son puts them at risk of becoming incestuous.
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10:09 pm
…..which in many Christian minds is at least a step up from being gay. :-/
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1:38 pm
You do realize that that is both pedophilia and incest all at once, right?
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3:25 pm
This is a very informative piece. Mike is always looking out for his fellow man and woman.
I’ve run copies of this article to take to evening services. I hope Mr. Beecham agrees to a live demonstration in evening Bible study.
Great article Mike!
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3:36 pm
Dear G-d woman, do you have no shame? You are willing to show off your naughty parts to everyone in your Bible study group? You are a nasty piece of work.
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4:44 pm
we clal that ORGY
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3:43 pm
Blanche, if I was in the area I would surely be there to see your Praises for Jesus!
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4:14 pm
Uh…HOW DO YOU NOT REALIZE THAT THESE ARE JOKE ARTICLES. They aren’t written by your normal prophets. That’s how we know you are insane. You can’t tell the difference. Btw I hope your husband beats you for being on the internet.
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9:58 pm
How is anything in this article a joke?
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10:20 pm
How is it not?
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4:36 pm
This is another example of the feminization of America. if not, why isn’t there a Testicular Cancer Month?
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4:44 pm
There is…it’s April. The have blue ribbons instead of pink…HOW FUCKIN DUMB ARE YOU????? Seriously. What’s your IQ? Do you know? Did you try to take the test and they were like “Sir, you’re obviously retarded, there’s no point,”?
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4:45 pm
Cause testicular cancer can only happen to one group. Breast cancer can happen to both. Also, testicular cancer isn’t as prevalent.
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4:49 pm
WRONG DAMIEM! What about Transsexuals!? Huh? WHAT ABOUT THEM? =)
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5:00 pm
Well, pre-op, yes. Post-op, not really.
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5:02 pm
Well played Sir. Well played indeed.
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7:42 pm
Wow a serious article… never thought id see it, but some of the comments killed it, cough cough* august, ice, and the other extremist dumbasses. To Damien and claire and what not, its nice to continue to see some level headed men AND women here
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7:44 pm
You are most certainly welcome ZJ.
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10:04 pm
Let me just say I prayed to God that my mom didn’t get breast cancer. She did. That’s the day I lost my faith in God.
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