At Journey Therapy Center, we spend every day supporting families and empowering children, but we also understand that we can’t take care of others if we aren’t also taking care of ourselves.
That’s why, this month, our team received special Breast Cancer Awareness and Testicular Cancer Awareness bags, each filled with resources, reminders, and encouragement to perform regular self-checks. These small acts of prevention can make a world of difference because early detection saves lives.
About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, but when caught early, the 5-year survival rate is 99%.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 35, but it’s also highly treatable, especially when detected early.
And the best part? Self-checks take only a couple of minutes and can easily become part of a normal routine. Becoming familiar with your body through regular checks makes it easier to notice sooner if something changes, and that could absolutely save your life.
Here are some simple steps anyone can follow:
Breast Self-Check
- Choose a time when breast tissue is least tender (often a few days after your cycle).
- Look in the mirror for changes in size, shape, or skin texture.
- Raise your arms and check again.
- Using the pads of your fingers, move in small circles around the entire breast and armpit area, using light, medium, and firm pressure.
- Feel for lumps, thickening, or anything new.
- Don’t panic if something feels different. Just follow up with your doctor.
Testicular Self-Check
- The best time is after a warm shower, when the skin is relaxed.
- Check each testicle gently with both hands.
- Roll it between your thumbs and fingers, feeling for hard lumps, smooth bumps, or changes in size.
- It’s normal for one to be slightly larger; you’re looking for new changes.
- If something feels off, schedule an appointment. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Remember, A little prevention goes a long way, and we encourage our entire team – and the whole community – to take these moments of self-care seriously. A quick monthly check can offer peace of mind, early answers, and the confidence that you’re putting your health first.
When we nurture our own well-being, we show up stronger – for our clients, our families, and ourselves.