REMEMBER:
No one knows your body better than you. Cars have "check engine" lights, computers have virus scans. We have self-awareness.

Our best chance of fighting cancer is finding it early. Know your family's health history, go to the doctor when something doesn't feel right. If your doctor isn't taking your symptoms seriously, ask why. You are your best health advocate. You know your body.

Check Yourself - take a moment so you can live a lifetime.

Schedule A Physical:
Download: Take this Physical Exam Form to the doctor to discuss your family history, risks of cancer and overall health.

Download: "What Should a Physical Include" Form
Helpful information about what to expect.

 

What's your Risk?
Take a few minutes to answer some questions by the Harvard School of Public Health and find out about your cancer risk. It doesn't tell you if you'll get cancer or not, but it does tell you where to focus your prevention efforts during self exams, lifestyle habits and doctor's visits.

 

Health Insurance Tips:
If you are taking ownership of your insurance for the first time or need a refresher, check out these tips to help get you in the know and stay healthy.

No Health Insurance?
Federally-funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. Find one near you.

Did you recently lose a job that provided health insurance? You may have options - learn more.

 

Summer Tips for Protecting Your Skin:
Routine screenings for suspicious spots are key to prevention. The idea is to catch them early. Know how to do a skin self-exam? Follow these Self-Exam Instructions.

Free Skin Cancer Screenings
The American Academy of Dermatology list, sign up for eAlert to be notified when free screenings are scheduled in your area.

 

Be Aware:
C.A.U.T.I.O.N. - Common signs and symptoms of cancer.

Self-Exam Instructions:
Breast Self-Exam

Testicular Self-Exam and Testicular Cancer Facts

Oral Self-Exam (mouth, tongue, lips, throat, nose, larynx)

Skin Self-Exam

 

Know Your Family History:
Download: Family Medical History Form
Includes the top 12 types of cancer prevalent in the YA age range.

 

Get Immunized:
American Academy of Family Physicians Immunization Schedule Recommendation for Adolescents and Adults  

 

Healthy Living Tips:
Stay Healthy at Any Age, A Checklist for Women

Stay Healthy at Any Age, A Checklist for Men

Questions to ask about your diagnosis, test, prescription

Free Skin Cancer Screenings
The American Academy of Dermatology list, sign up for eAlert to be notified when free screenings are scheduled in your area.

Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator
BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

My Family Health Portrait
The US Surgeon General's interactive medical history tool.