Avril Harry RN
There continues to be great emphasis on the importance of breast screening and for good reason, as early detection saves lives and achieves more successful outcomes.
The worldwide annual Pink Campaign in the promotion of breast cancer awareness has just concluded. Most nobly, October is the month we typically bring breast cancer discussion to the fore. In reality, though, the breast cancer discussion is one that needs to be had throughout the year to remove the stigma and anxiety among our Caribbean women.
According to 2020 data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, “Caribbean female breast cancer accounts for more than a quarter of all cancer diagnosed among females. Of these cases, those who are identified and diagnosed early, treatment can be highly effective achieving survival probabilities of 90 per cent or higher.”
Sadly, the breast screening process creates significant anxiety for many women and, as such, they delay or avoid having these tests altogether. Reasons for the delay are quite varied. Some women express concerns regarding the amount of radiation they receive. Others, from the procedure, the notion that it's going to be painful. Also, many women simply have concerns about taking the time for any medical appointments, and then there's the anxiety about the results.
How can we as a community support our women: our mothers, sisters our daughters? How can we help women to come to the realisation of the importance of breast screening and to help them relieve some of this anxiety? This is the focus of today’s article. We want to explore some ways that we can help women manage this common anxiety and help them be more willing to come forward to do their annual breast screening.
Be informed
*Having a conversation with a trusted friend or family member can be an important source of strength. Perhaps you can make an activity out of the event, it's important that you educate yourself.
*Set realistic expectations, and as you get more information about the procedures you're more aware and can anticipate what to expect at the appointment.
*Write questions or concerns that you may have and discuss it with your health professionals at your visit or prior to the visit.
Positive coping statements
*Getting screened will benefit me and by extension my loved ones.
*I am confident that I can overcome my anxiety to better my health.
These statements can help override any negative thoughts impeding your ability to pick up the phone to make the appointment.
Immediate rewards
*Consider yourself, perhaps you can schedule a pampering event after such as a pedicure or manicure.
*Invite a friend to accompany you; what has worked for many of our patients is to use the breast screening visit as a girls' “lime”, they have their screening and then visit a nearby restaurant or engage in some pre-planned activity.
Our message is simple but can be lifesaving. We encourage you to view your breast screening as an as integral component of your overall health.
Avril Harry RN
BSc Oncology Nursing , Breast Care Nurse
Pink Hibiscus, Adam Smith Square, Woodbrook.