Asynchronous Academy

Cancer Self-Examination

Suggested Duration: 1 Hour

"Go to the doctor right away. Early detection is your key to feeling better or even to survival."

Tom Green, Canadian Comedian, Actor, & Cancer Survivor

Understanding Cancer

Cancer is a term used for a group of diseases where some of the body’s cells begin to divide without stopping and spread into surrounding tissues.

  • How it Starts: Normally, human cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cancer develops, this orderly process breaks down; old or damaged cells survive when they should die, and new cells form when they aren't needed.
  • Tumours: These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a tumour.
  • Early Detection: The goal of "screening" and "self-exams" is to find these changes before they have a chance to spread. When found early, many types of cancer have extremely high survival and recovery rates.

Modern Treatments

If cancer is detected, doctors use a variety of strategies to treat it, often depending on the type and stage:

  • Surgery: Physically removing the tumour from the body.
  • Radiation: Using high-energy beams (like X-rays) to kill cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy: Using specialized medications to stop cancer cells from growing.
  • Immunotherapy: Helping your own immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Personal Health Screenings

The best way to stay ahead of potential health issues is to know what is "normal" for your own body. This allows you to notice even small changes quickly. Find a private place a try the relevant one on yourself.

Testicular Self-Examination (TSE)

Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men, but it is also highly curable if caught early.

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Did you know? Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young Canadian men aged 15 to 35. When detected early, it has a cure rate of over 95%, making monthly self-exams a simple but life-saving habit.

Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

Regular breast self-exams help you understand the normal feel and appearance of your breast tissue so you can report any changes to a healthcare provider immediately.

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Did you know? While breast cancer is much more common in older women, it can also affect young women. Knowing your body's baseline and checking regularly is the most effective way to notice changes early.

Self-Reflection Checklist

  • Concept: I can explain the difference between normal cell growth and cancerous cell growth.
  • Awareness: I have completed a self-examination and understand what "normal" looks like for my body.
  • Proactive: I know that if I find a lump or a change, the best first step is to visit a family doctor or a clinic.
  • Treatment: I can name at least two different methods doctors use to treat cancer.

Assessment

Pre-Submission

Before you submit, please complete the Pre-Submission Self-Assessment.

What to Turn In

  • 📤

    Nothing to Submit

💡 A Different Way to Learn

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Because your discovery path is completely unique, you need a human sounding board. Enroll to submit your projects and get personalized video feedback from an Ontario Certified Teacher to guide your work.

Learning Goals

We are learning to:

  • 🎯

    Understand the basic biology of cancer and the importance of early detection

  • 🎯

    Learn the practical steps for performing routine personal health screenings

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    Recognize the impact of proactive health monitoring on long-term well-being

Success Criteria

I can:

  • ✅

    Explain what cancer is and how early detection improves treatment outcomes

    Expectations Covered: C1
  • ✅

    Demonstrate knowledge of how to perform a testicular or breast self-examination

    Expectations Covered: C2
  • ✅

    Identify common signs or changes in the body that should be reported to a medical professional

    Expectations Covered: C2