self-exam

noun

self-ex·​am
ˌself-ig-ˈzam

Examples of self-exam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Breast cancer awareness campaigns often focus on mammograms and self-exams. Dr. Megha Gupta, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025 The cornerstone of this project is the PinkDetect app, a digital companion for breast health that guides women through a personalized risk assessment engine, offers reminders for self-exams, and keeps a record of any changes over time. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025 Some experts have stopped recommending self-exams specifically, and instead say people should focus on breast self-awareness by paying attention to what feels normal for them and noticing small changes. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025 Solis Mammography offers these essential steps for women under 40: Know your normal: Begin monthly breast self-exams at age 20 to know what’s normal for you. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 3 Aug. 2025 How to spot potential signs of skin cancer The key is to do monthly skin self-exams, making a concerted effort to check out the skin all over your body, including on your back, scalp, and genital areas. Stacey Colino, Time, 9 July 2025 From small businesses to academia and government, AI is being used for combating chronic stress, early disease detection and skin cancer self-exams. David William Silva, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 Please take this seriously and do regular self-exams as well as your annual checkups. Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 5 May 2025 So why are breast self-exams no longer recommended? Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-exam was in 1978

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-exam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-exam. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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