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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