Doing this simple self-examination now could help reduce your chances of developing anal cancer later
The Lancet. The participants were given 15 minutes of guidance on how to self-examine themselves around the anal region. This included within the anal canal, up to the second joint of their index finger.Some couples were also involved in the study and they were shown how to examine each other.
Most anal cancers are not detected until tumorous lumps have reached an average size of 3 cm or more. This can result in more invasive treatment.
The earlier a cancerous lump is detected, the better. Researchers wanted to know: Would people self-examining themselves help to find small abnormalities?In the study, a clinician first examined the participants and noted any possible lumps.
The participants then self-examined and reported if they came across the lumps.Abnormalities were found in 34% of participants.