Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

SESSION 12: BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER
OBJECTIVES: By the end of the session, the participants should be able to:
1. Discuss ways to help women recognize what is normal in the appearance and feel
of their breasts and identify when to seek health care services.
2. Name possible signs of, and the common test for, cervical cancer.
TRAINING METHODS: Discussion, Presentation
TIME: 45 minutes
MATERIALS:
Participant document
• Breast Self-Exam
INSTRUCTIONS:
I. BREAST CANCER (30 minutes)
Introduce the session by informing participants that:
• Breast and cervical cancers are fairly common in women, and are always
dangerous.
• Successful treatment depends on spotting the first sign of possible cancer and
getting medical care soon. Surgery is usually necessary.
Ask participants:
‣ What are the signs of breast cancer?
• The woman may notice a lump somewhere on the breast. The lump grows
slowly. At first it usually does not hurt or get hot. Later it may hurt.
• The breast may have an abnormal dent or dimple, or many tiny pits like the skin
of an orange.
• There may be large but painless lymph nodes in the armpit.
Explain the importance of regular self-examination of the breasts performed by the
woman, and of periodic check-ups performed by a trained health provider.
[Note to Trainers: Beliefs and attitudes about privacy and about touching the body can
influence a person’s desire and ability to conduct a breast self-exam. For these reasons it
is important to explore with participants taboos, myths, and beliefs about looking at and
touching the body that may be common in their communities.]
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 12: Breast and Cervical Cancer