The Princess and the Pea
The Princess and the Pea
Once upon the month of May , fifty plus princesses gathered at the Hay Services Club for a talk on Breast Screen : the importance of breast checks and self examination . The analogy to the fairy tale , where a princess could not sleep because there was a pea in the bottom mattress of her bed , goes well with breast check , due to the nature of the make up of the layers of breast tissue .
The greatest advice women were given is , “ Know your breasts ”. It is a message for men also , as their ‘ chest ’ tissues is made up of the same tissue , and are just a susceptible to cancer , as women ’ s breasts . It is just as important for men to “ know your chest ”.
Breast cancer is treatable if it ’ s caught early and getting to know your breasts / chest is the first line of defence . It is better to find a pea sized lump than one the size of a cherry , so self examination at least once a month is very important . If you find any changes : lumps , dimpling of the skin or discharge see your doctor .
The evening opened up talk amongst those assembled and was not without its humour . Although breast cancer is no laughing matter , stories abounded of funny incidents from women who have had experience of breast screening in the past . The breast screen van is in Hay for the month of June and all were encouraged to use the service .
Jean Woods ( Primary Health Care Nurse / Aboriginal Chronic Care Co-ordinator ) and Linda Flattery . In 2007 Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer . Linda shared her story of surgery , chemo and radiation , restating the message , “ Breast cancer is treatable if caught early .” She also told of her five points which helped her through the treatment : Knowledge ( Google ), Strength ( no negativity and only have strong people around her ) Laughter ( is the best medicine ) Love ( helped her through ) and Belief ( in herself and her medical team ).
The $ 10 entry fee , which also covered coffee and cake , was donated to Can Assist Hay Branch . This organisation helps patients fund their fight against cancer with financial aide for travel , medical expenses and medications . Can Assist cannot approach you , so if you ( or someone you know ) is fighting with Cancer please ring : 0429 931 299 for more information or join Can Assists Facebook page .
Gaylene Stephens and Jody Plant presented guest speaker , Linda Flattery and entertainers Julie-Anne Jones and Lyla Quinn with flowers and a thank you gift .
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