Consistent with the goals set forth in its campaign to educate a population at risk for Breast Cancer, Bikur Cholim / Partners In Health has developed a unique approach to teach and encourage women how to do a proper breast self-exam (BSE).

The Women’s Health Care Division conducts pre-scheduled workshops in local neighborhoods throughout the New York Metro area including Orange, Rockland Sullivan, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties.

They can be given on a uniquely designed mobile unit, in private homes and Social Halls. The program was developed specifically for women in an effort to combat the ignorance, cultural taboos and fear of what they may find, which often prevents them from performing the quick and simple self-exam. The most effective way to fight breast cancer is to detect it early. Our workshops, staffed by registered nurses and health educators, teach women the techniques of breast self-exam and about early detection of breast cancer at treatable stages, thereby saving lives. If requested, the nurse will provide, at the end of the session, an individualized, private session teaching women how to do the self –exam.

The pre-arranged workshops are well publicized, through public notices and advertisements, private mailings and personal phone calls. A monthly calendar of the workshop schedule is printed in local business bulletins. The program includes the health educator’s presentation (providing factual and objective information as well as personal aspects), a clear and straightforward film presentation (demonstrating what women need to know in order to do a proper self-exam), breast models (to practice the techniques learned as well as to discern what it is they are looking for), a question and answer session (to encourage the women to discuss and express their concerns), and informational literature. Great care is taken to treat the subject respectfully, clearly, concisely and with great sensitivity. This forum enables women to absorb the subject comfortably and easily, thereby helping them to break the barrier of fear surrounding this issue.

Since the inception of the program in the summer of 2000, 5,588 women have participated and received the message that Early Detection Saves Lives. Women feel empowered knowing that they possess information that can help to either prevent disease or prevent it from becoming worse. We stress that while the incidence rate of breast cancer is rising, the mortality rate is declining—accounted for by increased education, detection and screening.

Though fear of the topic still exists, all women who have attended the workshops have expressed gratitude and appreciation for the instructive information received. Women have called to share their medical experiences following their participation in the sessions. Several women have called, following our sessions, with concerns related to what course to follow as a result of finding something suspicious when performing BSE. We are in constant touch with them, helping them to deal with the issue, both psychologically and emotionally, as well as connecting them with our medical referral department.

We have been thanked for the “…tremendous service to the community…” The subject is presented clearly and modestly, always bearing in mind the personal and intimate nature of the subject. To quote one of our many participants, “…the nurses are approachable and establish a rapport with the group.” The women who attend feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. A significant comment was made by a recent participant, “How can we make our young women aware of this, and not wait until it’s too late?”

In our continuing effort to reach out to women of all ages we have instituted a new program for High School Seniors and College students called Starting Healthy. Our trained nurses who are health educators teach the girls the importance of good nutrition, exercise and the importance of doing a breast self-exam. We feel that since girls don’t have to be concerned about finding anything worrisome they will not have the fear that sometimes accompanies learning how to do a breast self-exam.

Our goal is to continue to bring the message that “Early Detection Saves Lives” to as many women as possible. Our commitment to this project is to do whatever is needed to save lives and reduce the incidence of breast cancer deaths, until, hopefully, our mission has been fulfilled.

Call us at:
845.425.7877 Ext. 118