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NHS event highlights breast health for people with learning disabilities
An event aiming to raise awareness of breast health for people with learning disabilities took place this month, educating attendees on the importance of breast health and self care.
Hosted by Herefordshire's Community Learning Disabilities Team, the event featured a range of engaging activities such as a talk to raise awareness of routine breast screening, free bra fitting, and a breast-checking demonstration. There was also a chance to socialise over a cuppa and cake, while taking part in a free raffle.
Beverley Hardiman, Operational Manager for Herefordshire's Community Learning Disabilities Team said: "Breast health is important to everyone, but we know that people with a learning disability are less likely to access early identification services for conditions such as breast cancer, which is why events like these are so important."
According to Cancer Research UK, breast cancer is the most common cancer among UK women.
Beverley adds: "It was wonderful to see so many people with learning disabilities and their carers enjoying the event. We really wanted to create a welcoming space where people could learn about checking themselves, feel comfortable asking questions, and understand the importance of mammograms."
The team would like to say a huge thank you to all the organisations who made this event possible - Hereford and Worcester Breast Screening Service, breast care nursing colleagues from Wye Valley NHS Trust, NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Trulife for providing specialist bra measuring, Yeleni Therapy for raising awareness of therapy and support, Marks and Spencer’s and ASDA for refreshments, and the Aspire Hub for hosting us.
The event was well attended, and feedback has been extremely positive, with Lyndsay who attended the event saying: “It has been a great day. I enjoyed the bra fitting. I was a bit shy, but I did it and now I know what my correct bra size is. It's amazing work that the Learning Disability Team are doing.”.
The team hopes to hold more events like this next year to reach as many women with learning disabilities as possible in Hereford.
Anyone experiencing symptoms or changes in their breasts, regardless of age, should contact their GP, even if they have recently had a clear breast screening.