Selfexaminations

Self-examinations are person-conducted checks of the body or mental states to identify signs of illness, injury, or distress. They are used across medical, educational, and psychological contexts and are intended to supplement, not replace, professional evaluation.

Common medical self-exams include breast self-exams, testicular self-exams, and skin self-examinations. Other forms involve self-observation of mood, thoughts, and behaviors to support mental health or learning progress.

Breast self-exam: typically monthly, focusing on changes in size, shape, symmetry, texture, or skin; best performed in a shower or with a mirror. Testicular self-exam: monthly palpation to detect lumps, swelling, or tenderness. Skin self-exam: regular inspection of all body surfaces for new or changing moles, lesions, or scars.

Guidelines: medical bodies vary. Routine breast self-exams are not universally recommended due to limited evidence of mortality benefit; emphasis is on awareness and prompt reporting of changes. Testicular self-exams are not universally advised; individuals should discuss risk with a clinician. Skin self-exams are encouraged as part of overall skin cancer awareness, with professional evaluation of suspicious findings.

Limitations and safety: self-exams can lead to anxiety, misinterpretation, or delayed care if misleading; they should not substitute professional screening. Proper technique and privacy are important; seek professional guidance for instructions and when signs are present.