Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Emphasize that every woman should learn how to examine her own breasts for possible
signs of cancer. She should do it once a month, preferably after her menstrual period has
stopped.
Determine what participants already know about the breast self-exam. Ask:
‣ Have you done breast self-exams yourselves? What has been your experience?
‣ Is it acceptable in your communities for women to examine their breasts?
‣ How do you feel about helping women to recognize what is normal and healthy in
their own breasts?
‣ What are some ways in which you might approach discussing breast cancer in
your communities?
Distribute the participant document Breast Self-Exam. Referring to the diagrams in the
document, describe the correct technique for conducting the self-exam of the breast.
Discuss the purpose of the exam, and when, where, and how to do it. Ask participants to
explain how they would do the self-exam themselves (or teach others to do the exam).
Correct any misinformation and provide additional information, if needed.
Explain what to do if an unusual change is noticed:
‣ What might the change look and feel like?
‣ In their community, where might a person go for health services?
‣ About how much would it cost?
Discuss ways to teach women about self-exams and about the recognition of healthy
breasts and potential problems. Ask:
‣ What key messages would you emphasize when:
Talking with women in your community about breast cancer?
Encouraging women to conduct a self-exam on a regular basis? What would
you teach them about this exam?
‣ What are some of the barriers or difficulties to teaching and motivating people to
practice self exams?
‣ How might you and women in your community overcome these possible
difficulties?
Indicate to participants the pages in the Roma Health Mediator’s Manual where they can
find additional information about breast cancer.
Close with the following points.
• It is important for women to recognize what is normal and healthy in their own
breasts.
• Detecting a sign of a problem does not always mean the person has a health
problem. Instead, it means she should be checked by a trained health provider.
The health provider can then determine whether there is a health problem and
recommend treatment early on, if indicated.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 12: Breast and Cervical Cancer