BREAST AND TESTICULAR CANCER - SELF EXAMINATIONS FOR EARLY DETECTION

Teenagers are encouraged to have a routine physical examination annually. This is often as a required pre-participation sports physical. During this visit we stress the importance of self examination of the breasts for girls and self examination of the testes for boys. Both forms of cancer are curable when detected early.

Although breast cancer is extremely rare in teenage girls, it is important to learn the technique of self examination and to begin the practice early so that this potentially life saving habit can be established while the risk is low. The self examination should be performed monthly in the middle of a girl’s menstrual cycle. We suggest choosing the same day each month to perform this exam so that it isn’t forgotten; mark 2 calendars, the child’s and the mother’s and put a reminder note with personal hygiene materials.

It is important for a young lady to know what is normal for her. We teach girls to palpate their breasts and also to examine them visually. It is vital that she report any tactile changes, changes in appearance or skin texture promptly to a parent and/or to her physician. We also encourage being aware of factors that increase one’s chances of developing breast cancer thus reinforcing the importance of self examination. These include a close relative with the disease or postponing child bearing until after age 30. We encourage the avoidance of tobacco products in all family members and discuss the importance of yearly physical exams and mammograms for the young person later and for her mother.

Testicular exam is extremely important for boys since the late teen years are the age in which testicular cancer is most likely to appear although it is uncommon. At the yearly examination the technique of examining ones testicles is explained and demonstrated. Adolescents are encouraged to do this examination in the shower monthly and to report any changes in the character of the testes immediately to a parent and/or to their physician.

Videos are available for young people and we will be happy to loan these to anyone requesting them.

©2002 South Valley Pediatrics
page updated April 7, 2002