Beginners’ Breast Health Workshop, Petaling Jaya – 22 September 2007
By Dr Evelyn Ho There were nineteen ladies in this beginners’ workshop on breast health. They ranged from those who have had breast cancer or just completed treatment to radiographers as well as a few from the public. Whatever their station in life, they had come to seek more information about breast health.
Dr Evelyn Ho conducted the workshop with facilitators Jessica Lau, Annie Tang, Wong Mee Yee, Chin Keat Yue and Ang Siew Lan. Francis Lee provided the photography and IT support expertise. Barbara Khoo, the Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Welfare Association was on hand to ensure everything ran smoothly.
To build up their knowledge, the session began with “All About the Breast”. It then went on to the psychological aspects of breast health and how to get everyone excited and positive about wanting to be self breast aware. To sustain and be directed in the pursuit to learn proper self examination techniques, the mindset had to change. Amidst all the laughter and probably recognition of themselves in certain scenarios presented, it is hoped that they would retain enough of the messages in the workshop to enable them to eventually also “infect” others with the important need to be breast aware.
The tips and tricks to proper systematic self examination of the breasts were then presented, followed by a break and then, hands on sessions with the facilitators. To round off the workshop, everyone re-grouped for the final session to reinforce what had been imparted earlier, as well as for all to ask further questions or comment on their own experience.
The workshop started at 2.30pm and ended at 6pm. Another afternoon well spent judging by the feedback received. Most felt they had learnt how to have a positive feeling about one self’s breasts, and how to examine and observe their own breast for changes. They now understood their breasts better. It also helped them to build up their confidence.
|
