Health Education Program Analysis/Critique - Coursework Example

Name of the program: Be Empowered: Take 3 Steps Towards Your Breast Cancer Location: Sunday, December 4, 2011 Time: 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Date of observation: Congregation of New Covenant Church, Mount Airy, Pennsylvania. Brief Summary The aim of this health education program was to educate women about breast health, its importance and care. The program began with an hour-long presentation on the subject, by three physicians from the Einstein Healthcare Network and Bravo Health. Each of the physicians spoke about different aspects of breast health. Dr. Lori Jardines, MD, highlighted the fact that early detection tests for breast cancer can save many thousands of lives each year.

She said that about 70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors. D. Lori demonstrated how to do breast self exam and examine closely for any physical changes in the breast with respect to shape, size, redness, soreness, swelling or changes in position of the nipples. She also demonstrated how to feel the breast for any lumps or discharge from the nipple. One important aspect that was consistently emphasized throughout the presentation was the need to do breast self examinations every month. Dr. Ronit Sugar, MD, provided information on getting the most out of your clinical exam. Dr. Ronit said that women in their 20s and 30s should have clinical breast exams every three years as part of their periodic health exam by a physician.

After 40 years, the clinical breast exams should be conducted every year. Finally, Dr. Donee Patterson, MD, provided valuable information on the facts and fiction surrounding breast cancer and mammograms. One of the myths that women tend to believe is that if no one in their family have been diagnosed with breast cancer, then they don’t need to worry about it. Dr. Donee was prompt in pointing out that 90% of the women diagnosed with breast cancer have had no family history of the disease. Women have always believed that mammograms are painful and unsafe.

However, Dr. Donee informed the audience that mammogram gives only minimal exposure and that a woman can tell the technician to reduce the pressure if it becomes too uncomfortable. A common myth is that one mammogram is enough for life when in fact it should be taken annually so that doctors can compare the reports and look for any changes in the breast. Program Methods/Activities A variety of methods and activities were used to provide the information regarding breast cancer. The demonstration for conducting breast self examination was 20 minutes long. Dr. Lori used a mannequin to demonstrate the 5 step process of breast self examination.

Following this demonstration, a short video was also shown on how to conduct breast self examination. These methods were very useful in understanding the technique of conducting breast self examinations. Dr. Ronit shared several examples from his practice where patients came in for clinical breast examinations and were diagnosed with breast cancer at early stages. Early detection helped these patients to get proper medical treatment and care which helped them to lead normal healthy lives. He also shared cases where the patients came in very late and were diagnosed with breast cancer in the IV stage, where almost nothing could be done. Dr. Donee made her presentation very interactive and engaged the audience with several questions regarding the myths concerning mammography.