Detecting cancer early significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment, as it often prevents the disease from spreading to other parts of the body. While screenings, like mammograms and colonoscopies, are essential for detecting many types of cancer, knowing your body and recognizing changes can also be incredibly valuable. Self-exams—simple screenings you can perform at home—allow you to monitor your body for early signs of potential issues.

Although these exams don’t replace medical screenings, they offer an added layer of self-awareness and health monitoring that could potentially help detect certain cancers in their early stages.

Dr Supratim Bhattacharyya, Consultant - Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Cancer Centres said, "Early detection of cancer is among the most important factors to achieve a better prognosis and long-term cure. Detecting cancer at home involves being aware of generalized cancer symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, or lasting pain. A few more specific symptoms include painless breast lump for breast cancer, bleeding with stool or unexplained Anaemia, altered bowel habits for colorectal cancer, non-healing ulcers of oral cavity cancer, size/ shape/ colour/ border asymmetry of moles, indicating skin cancer, etc. It is imperative to be vigilant and to consult a physician in doubt."

Self-exams can be an empowering way to take charge of your health. They involve straightforward steps that familiarize you with your body, making it easier to notice unusual changes. Here’s a look at self-checks for four types of cancer that you can perform at home.

Getting to Know Your Body: How to Perform a Self-Exam

Regular self-exams can help you detect skin, oral, breast, and testicular cancers early. Learning these step-by-step techniques will guide you through what to watch for and how to inspect each part of your body thoroughly.

Skin Cancer

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, a spot that looks different, changes, itches, or bleeds can be an early warning sign of skin cancer. If you notice any unusual skin spots, consider consulting a board-certified dermatologist for a professional evaluation. Here’s how to perform a skin self-exam:

1. Examine Your Body in a Full-Length Mirror: Start by examining your front and back in a full-length mirror. Then, check the right and left sides of your body with your arms raised.

2. Inspect Your Underarms, Forearms, and Palms: Bend your elbows to look at your forearms, underarms, fingernails, and palms.

3. Check Legs, Toes, and Feet Soles: Look at the backs of your legs and feet, as well as the spaces between your toes, toenails, and the soles of your feet.

4. Examine Your Neck and Scalp: Use a hand mirror to inspect the back of your neck and scalp. Part your hair to look more closely at your scalp.

5. Review Your Back and Buttocks: With the hand mirror, examine your back and buttocks for any unusual marks or spots.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can be harder to detect because there are no widely recommended screening tests for the general public. However, the Mouth Cancer Foundation emphasizes that regular self-exams could save lives by catching warning signs early. It’s advisable to do a monthly check if you’re over 16 years old. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

- Lips: Use your fingers to pull your upper lip up and your bottom lip down, checking inside for sores or color changes. Feel around for any lumps or changes in texture.

- Gums: Gently use your fingers to feel both the inside and outside of your gums.

- Cheeks: Open your mouth and pull each cheek out one at a time, inspecting for red or white patches or any tenderness.

- Tongue: Pull your tongue out gently and check each side for ulcers or swelling. Lift your tongue to examine its underside.

- Mouth Floor: Look under your tongue and press along the floor of your mouth to feel for lumps or swelling. Check the roof of your mouth as well.

Breast Self-Exam

Breast self-exams can help detect changes in breast tissue that may indicate early signs of breast cancer. Here’s how to perform both visual and manual exams:

1. Visual Exam: Stand in front of a mirror with your hands on your hips. Check your breasts for any changes in size, shape, or skin texture. Lift your arms above your head and repeat.

2. Manual Exam while Standing: Use your right hand to examine your left breast, pressing firmly in circular motions across all areas, including the underarm.

3. Manual Exam Lying Down: Lie on your back, place a pillow under your shoulder, and use your opposite hand to feel each breast.

Testicular Self-Exam

Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers among young men. A quick self-exam, especially during or after a warm shower, can help detect lumps or unusual textures early. Here’s how:

1. Gently roll each testicle between your fingers, feeling for lumps or changes in size.

2. Pay attention to lumps, swelling, or soreness. A painless mass or a feeling of heaviness can be early signs.

If you notice any suspicious changes during a self-exam, consult your doctor. A change doesn’t necessarily mean cancer, but early detection is key to effective treatment, and follow-up tests can provide clarity and peace of mind. These self-checks, alongside routine screenings, can play a vital role in safeguarding your health.

On the day of World Malaria Day, as we raise awareness on the dangers posed by this mosquito-borne disease, let's delve a bit deeper into how malaria is different from the other mosquito-borne diseases.

Dengue vs Malaria

Both malaria and dengue are transmitted by female mosquitoes and cause severe illness in humans. There are certain similarities between the two diseases and the mosquito species, which is why the patients and diagnoses are often confused.

As per the co-Principal Investigator, Dr Charles Guissou, for the Target Malaria, a vector control research alliance's Target Malaria Burkina Faso at the Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, "Dengue and malaria are two very different diseases caused by different pathogens and different mosquito species." “Misdiagnosis between malaria and dengue is common, and this can then contribute to inappropriate medical care.”

Every year, malaria causes 200 million cases worldwide, leading to 600,000 deaths. Many of these cases are from Africa, where children and pregnant women pay the highest price. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also reported that in 2022, Africa was home to 95% of malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths. The global incidence of dengue has grown significantly in recent decades. Cases reported to WHO increased from 505,430 in 2000 to 6.5 million in 2023.

Dr Ajay Gupta, Head & Director - Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali also points out the key differences between malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. He says, "Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. In contrast, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. This distinction in the type of mosquito also reflects differences in peak biting times—Anopheles mosquitoes bite during nighttime, while Aedes mosquitoes are daytime biters."

"Another key difference lies in complications and disease progression. Malaria, especially caused by Plasmodium falciparum, can progress rapidly to severe illness with cerebral involvement, anemia, kidney failure, and even death if not promptly treated. Dengue, on the other hand, is known for a sudden drop in platelet count and risk of hemorrhage. Chikungunya commonly leads to prolonged joint pain, sometimes lasting weeks or even months after the infection clears," notes the doctor.

There is also a difference between how the mosquitoes that spread dengue and malaria.

The Aedes Mosquito

It is responsible for spreading dengue and has white stripes down the center of the thorax. It also has a resting position where its body is kept low and parallel to the ground, with the proboscis angled downward. It is slender, and the wings have distinctive white markings.

The Anopheles Mosquito

It is responsible for causing malaria and has long palps. It is dark in color and the resting position follows it abdomen at a 45-degree angle to the surface.

Zika Virus

Zika is a viral infection also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which is the first difference from malaria, in the species of mosquito that causes it. As per the WHO, those with Zika virus do not tend to experience symptoms, and if they do, it includes rash, fever, conjunctivitis, and muscle and joint pain. The symptoms are also what makes it different. They appear from 3 to 14 days after being bitten.

Chikungunya

This is also caused by Aedes mosquitoes, and the symptoms usually appear within 4 to 8 days after infection. The symptoms include fever, joint pain, headaches, and nausea.

Yellow Fever

This is caused by Aedes and haemagogus mosquitoes. People who are infected with this virus do not get sick and experience only mild symptoms. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12% of people who have symptoms develop serious illness, which includes organ failure and jaundice.

The key difference between all other mosquito-borne diseases and malaria is the species of the mosquito that causes it. While all the others are caused by Aedes, malaria is caused by the Anopheles.

What Else Makes Malaria Different Other Than The Type Of Mosquito That Causes It?

Drinking Beer Could Increase Chances Of Infection

According to the scientists at the University of Emory, in their 2010 study, they found that beer produces an odour in your body that is irresistible to the malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

It Could Take Four Years To Develop Symptoms

There are rare strains of this disease which could in fact take months or even years to get diagnosed. In one of the rare cases, malaria was diagnosed four years later the individuals were infected, reported UK's The Telegraph.

Malaria And Its Connection With Snow White

In 1943, Disney was tasked with creating a film to promote public health awareness. The result? The Winged Scourge — a rather unusual PSA where the Seven Dwarfs learn how to fight off malaria-spreading mosquitoes.

Malaria Has Killed Four Popes, And At Least Eight Presidents Have Suffered From It

George Washington battled malaria, and the disease is also believed to have claimed the lives of Pope Leo and Pope Sixtus—just a few of its prominent victims.

Malaria And India

The doctor also points out that diagnosis and treatment also vary. "Malaria is typically confirmed with a blood smear or rapid diagnostic test and is treated with specific antimalarial drugs. There is no antiviral treatment for dengue, chikungunya, or Zika—management is primarily supportive," he says.

In India, we often see a spike in these illnesses during and after the monsoon season, However, malaria control efforts—such as early diagnosis, insecticide-treated bed nets, and vector control—have significantly reduced the burden in recent years.

"Preventive strategies like eliminating stagnant water, using mosquito repellents, and ensuring proper sanitation are universally effective. But recognizing the distinct nature of malaria is key to prompt diagnosis and management," notes Dr Gupta.

In 2022, about 1 in 5, which is around 702,880, people died due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the United States. There are many factors around you that affect your heart health. Things like what food you eat, whether the area you live in is polluted or not and also what kind of lifestyle you lead. There are many risk factors for heart diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or smoking, which are key risk factors according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC explains about 47% of US citizens have at least one of these three risk factors.

Another risk factor could be the place you live in. A new study published in the European Society of Cardiology April 2025 revealed that the walkability of a neighborhood can play a big role for your cardiovascular health. The study revealed that individuals living in areas with low walkability had a 5% higher risk of developing CVD compared to those in very walkable neighborhoods. Interestingly, even in neighborhoods that improved in walkability over time, the risk of CVD remained about 5% higher for those who started in low-walkability areas, possibly due to the lasting effects of earlier sedentary habits.

What Makes A Neighborhood Walk-Friendly?

To figure out how walkable a neighborhood is, the researchers in the study looked at several things. They checked how many people lived in the area (population density), how many shops were nearby, if there were parks and green spaces, and if there were sidewalks to walk on. They also considered if different types of buildings were mixed together (like shops and homes), if there was good public transportation, and how well the streets connected to each other. All these things together helped them decide how easy it was to walk around in a certain neighborhood.

Researchers studied over three million adults who were at least 40 years old and didn't have any heart problems when the study started. The researchers kept track of how walkable each person's neighborhood was for 13 years. They also checked if the walkability of these neighborhoods stayed the same, got better, or got worse during that time.

The findings of this study support what doctors have known for a long time: moving your body is good for your health, especially your heart. What's interesting is that you don't need to do intense workouts to see the benefits. Even small amounts of activity, like walking your dog in a park or carrying your groceries home from the store, can make a difference. These little bursts of energy throughout the day can add up and help lower your risk of getting heart disease.

Should People Opt For More Walkable Places?

A report from 2023 from Smart Growth America found that less than 7% of people in America actually live in very walkable urban neighborhoods. Interestingly, studies have shown that minority groups often live in more walkable neighborhoods. However, these same groups are also more likely to suffer from heart and blood sugar problems. This might be because even in walkable areas, factors like safety, clean environments, and good sidewalks and parks might not be available in all neighborhoods.

Even if you don't live in a very walkable area, there are still things you can do to move more. You might need to get a little creative! You can try lifting weights or doing yoga while you watch TV. If you drive to the store, park a little further away so you have to walk more. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Stand up and move around when you're on the phone, have walking meetings if possible, and make sure to get up and stretch every hour.

During a recent conference on drug addiction, the US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. shared a personal story about his own battle with drug addiction and his journey to recovery. He also emphasized on the importance of helping young people find meaning in life. His speech at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, emphasized the need for prevention, community, and spiritual support in addressing substance abuse.

RFK Jr.'s Struggle With Addiction

Kennedy revealed that he was addicted to heroin for 14 years. It started during his teenage years. During that time, he constantly promised to quit to himself and his family, but he felt powerless to follow through.

“I didn’t want to be someone who woke up every morning thinking about drugs,” he said, describing the feeling of being unable to “keep contracts” with himself. He shared that he felt like he was born with a hole inside him—something many addicts feel—that he tried to fill with drugs.

He also called addiction "a source of misery, but also a symptom of misery". He stressed that threats of overdose or ruined lives often have little impact on those who are already suffering. “Every addict feels that way in one way or another... and the only thing that works are drugs,” he said.

His message to the 3,000 attendees focused on how deeper issues like hopelessness and disconnection from community contribute to addiction.

Finding A Way Out Through Faith

RFK Jr. went on to describe his recovery journey that started after he read a book by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who suggested that people who believe in God tend to recover more effectively. This inspired him and rekindled his faith in God. He began to attend the 12-step meetings. God was mentioned in his speech over 20 times, and it was noted that spirituality played a big role in his healing.

RFK Jr. also acknowledged criticism from public health experts and was interrupted several times by hecklers. Without directly engaging them, he said he tries to learn from everyone—“even the people who give me the finger.”

Prevention Through Purpose

While RFK Jr. did praise tools like Suboxone, methadone, and access to rehab, his main focus remained on prevention. “We have this whole generation of kids who’ve lost hope in their future,” he said. According to him, restoring connections to family, community, and purpose is crucial.

He encouraged policy changes that would promote stronger family bonds—such as phone-free meals—and more opportunities for young people to engage in service. “The best way to overcome hopelessness,” he said, “is to wake up each day and pray, ‘Please make me useful to another human being today.’”

While Kennedy’s speech resonated with many, others pushed back on his approach. Researcher Caleb Banta-Green, who was removed after shouting, later said that while spirituality can be helpful, science-based interventions must be prioritized and properly funded.

While Kennedy’s speech resonated with many, others pushed back on his approach. Researcher Caleb Banta-Green, who was removed after shouting, later said that while spirituality can be helpful, science-based interventions must be prioritized and properly funded.