Catch cancer with a knowing hand

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TORONTO (Reuters) - When it comes to cancer screening, a visit to your doctor is always the most effective solution, but a hand, knowing not hurt.

Although there is no evidence that self-examination of the breasts and genitals leads to early detection, awareness of what is normal for each individual can contribute to the view of a patient when something changes, said Dr. Durado Brooks, prostate, and the American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Manager.

"People should know what their testicles normally feel," said Brooks, and if any order is noticed, get it checked.

"One of the unfortunate things that happens is that many times men want during their daily activities, observation of an anomaly, but it is not known simply because they do not think it's important or can be assigned but not resolved quickly, "said Brooks. A doctor will do genital examinations and breast as part of a regular physical, and want to know what may require a thorough medical examination.

Part of the problem may be that people sometimes are afraid to face a serious health problem. They may also be embarrassed to mention their unmentionables.

Artist Shannon Gerard might have an answer.

Partner Gerard was in the shower when she found a piece of one of his testicles. Discovery, and hunting information that the capital could mean art project inspired by Gerard that promotes body awareness and explores our feelings about the health of our most intimate parts.

Chest of the artist and Dinks Early Detection Kits use crochet patterns breast and penis - with "packages" sewn on the inside and an instruction manual - to illustrate how to perform self-examination of the genitals. The kit is designed both to educate about health problems and address concerns people have about their health, said Gerard.

"Talking to people about your fears, especially if your body is really weird and scary," she said. "I thought the idea of ??making something soft like a plush, you can play with while talking mediation would be the conversation in a way that was less strange or less scary."

For most cancers, early detection means that treatment options and a greater chance of recovery - and be aware of your body can help you catch an early change, which can increase your chances of survival if there is cancer. Breast cancer accounts for one in four cancers diagnosed in American women, according to the ACS, but relatively rare, testicular cancer is still the most common cancer in men aged 25 to 34, but the ACS says that it is usually curable if detected before it has spread.

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"The good news is that testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers," said Brooks. "In most cases when it is discovered that it can be effectively treated, and men may go to live a normal and productive life. I think Lance Armstrong is undoubtedly one of the most public of that. "

The seven-time Tour de France, Armstrong was diagnosed in 1996 with testicular cancer that had metastasized to the brain and lungs, and recovered after chemotherapy and surgery of the brain and testes.

For women, monthly breast exams are an option, but regular visits to the doctor is the best solution, said Dr. Debbie Saslow, director of breast and gynecologic cancer for the ACS. Vulvar cancer, for example, is rare and symptoms are more likely to exhibit skin obvious external signs, Saslow said.

History of G©rard partner has been a positive outcome: An ultrasound revealed that the mass was a harmless dilated vein, sometimes seen in avid cyclists. But his work with the body image is still with the installation Doctor game, which is now operating in the largest city of Canada, Toronto.

The installation includes automatic detection of video equipment and a real scale models and demonstration versions of how to do self exams. Brave visitors can follow the show with video phones provided with the kit.

Gerard finds wider applications in self-test kits and other materials for his installation. "I tried to enter the art world, because it's my starting point as an artist," he said, "but I think it's even more exciting to think that it is more a teaching tool."

She recently spoke to Planned Parenthood, which seeks to use the project in educational workshops, particularly with men, and hopes to see the models used as discussion starters in the health community. "Instead of being a manifestation of an idea," she said, "it could be the beginning of a process."

This article is free for republishing Source: kcq.com
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