A screening self-exam or test is a procedure performed to check for abnormalities in the area, often before symptoms appear, to detect potential issues early.
Tips & Links
Certain health conditions, medications, or treatments can increase the risk of secondary health issues. Your physician or specialist may recommend regular screening, and it is your responsibility to ensure they are completed as advised.
Learn More
- A screening self-test may include looking or feeling for lumps, changes in skin appearance, or unusual pain.
- Learn about screening for cancer of the cervix, breast, lungs, and colon from BC Cancer Screening.
- Self-tests may also be to identify potential concerns in your emotional or mental health as outlined by HeretoHelp.
- Talk with your physician or health care professionals to determine which screening tests are appropriate for your age, gender, family health history, and health needs.
Things You Can Do
- Learn about annual screening tests such as mammogram, testicular, prostate, and pelvic exams. Learn about how these tests are completed, by whom, and how often.
- Learn about pelvic exams, how to prepare and the procedure from the Canadian Cancer Society.
- Learn about a pap test from the Canadian Cancer Society.
- Learn how often and how to complete a thorough testicular self-exam from your physician.
- Learn how often and how to complete a thorough breast self-exam from your physician.
- Include your history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – name, year, symptoms, and treatment in your health profile and sexual health history.
- Ask your physician how often you should be tested for STIs based on your sexual activities.
- Use your health calendar to track the dates for your recommended health screening tests.
- Always ask your physician, nurse practitioner, or specialist to explain the findings in your tests.
Know Your Rights
- Communicate your personal boundaries regarding physical touch, personal space, and privacy with health care professionals and caregivers.
- Inform health care providers if you feel uneasy or need adjustments during tests or exams, such as closing the door or curtains.
- Understand your rights to privacy and confidentiality regarding your health information and only share it with others you choose.
- Understand that your patient rights allows you to refuse a suggested treatment, test, or procedure.
Mywell Health helps you learn about and organize your health information in one place. Add your screening test information into your Health Profile fillable PDF tool and save dates for tests in your health calendar in My Health Information.