In the last issue of this newsletter, we ran an article on preventive care screenings for women, including clinical breast exams, mammograms and Pap tests. Have you taken steps to get these crucial exams? This article can help you check your progress.
Do You Know What to Expect? Some women hesitate to get screenings out of concern that the exams will be uncomfortable or embarrassing. How much do you know about women’s exams? Check off which facts you know.
I know what to expect at a clinical breast exam.
I understand what a mammogram is, what it looks for and why it is important to have one.
I know how a mammogram is performed, what I need to do to prepare for it and how often I need one.
I understand what a Pap test is, what it looks for and why it is important to have one.
I know how a Pap test is performed and how often I should have one.
Have You Examined Your Attitudes? If you don’t have regular exams, have you thought about what is holding you back from having them? Consider all these positive reasons for having exams:
I want to protect my health.
I want to be around for my family.
I want to protect myself from breast and cervical cancer.
I want the opportunity to catch cancer early, when it is easier to treat.
I want peace of mind about my health.
Have You Conquered Your Excuses? If you are like many women, you may find it all too easy to take care of others before yourself. Overcome your excuses by filling in a resolution for each of the excuses below:
I don’t have time.
______________________________
I keep forgetting to make an appointment.
______________________________
No one in my family has ever had breast or cervical cancer.
______________________________
I’ll be too embarrassed.
______________________________
If you’ve taken steps to have regular exams, be sure to reward yourself. Take yourself to lunch, take a long walk in a park or go to a movie. You deserve it!
