Doctor reveals simple bathroom checks that can help spot six common types of cancer
Niamh Shackleton
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Superb Images
A doctor is urging people to make these easy checks which can help you spot six common cancers.
It was estimated that 2024 saw over two million new cancer cases arise in the US, as per the National Cancer Institue; but not all cancer cases prove fatal.
In fact, as of 2022, there were 18.1 million cancer survivors in the United States. This number is expected to increase to 22.5 million survivors by 2032.
And one thing that will help the country achieve that number is early detection.
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Cancers that are found at an earlier stage — i.e when it isn’t too large and hasn’t spread — means that it's more likely to be treated successfully, says Cancer Research UK.
For example, nine in ten people in the UK diagnosed with stage 1 bowel cancer go on to live for five or more years after diagnosis compared to one in ten people whose bowel cancer was detected at stage 4.
Now, Dr Gareth Nye, a Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Salford, UK, has revealed some of the straightforward checks you can do in privacy of your own home — the bathroom specifically.
Why the bathroom, I hear you ask? That's where you'll often find yourself in a state of undress.
"There are very few times during the day when you are fully undressed, have time and have access to warm water or scales," Dr Nye said, as per Mirror Online.
"There is a wide range of valuable information that can be looked at whilst in the bathroom more than anywhere else."
Here are the things that Dr Nye wants you to monitor...
"Understanding your breasts or testicles normally is one of the easiest places to start," he said.
"It's key to be able to feel any new lumps or growths. Look for changes in shape, size or colouration of the breast and areola."
Dr Nye explained: "Skin changes or moles are another very common issue which can be monitored easily. You should be aware of the moles on your body and be looking for any changes in terms of shape, size and colour."
"Any new mole, moles which have irregular edges, or are not symmetrical, should be assessed by a healthcare professional," he added.
Understanding your bowel and bladder in particular could be 'key to early [cancer] detection', says Dr Nye.
"Being aware of how frequently you are going to the toilet is important as well as noting the amount, colour, and consistency of the product," he went on.
Frequent urination is a symptom of prostate cancer, while blood in your pee or stool could be a sign of bladder or bowel cancer.
A woman's menstrual cycle can be a huge help in spotting signs of any changes to the body.
"Bleeding out of your monthly cycle or particularly heavy bleeding may suggest underlying issues," warned Dr Nye.