Breast and Cervical Cancer Project

Avante Roberts, Summer 2011

As an Intern, I learned about the guidelines of screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer and women's health. I contacted over 60 community resources informing them about the BCCP and provided them with them with informational brochures. I also compiled an updated list of our contacts within the community.

It was my role as intern to educate the women in the community about breast and cervical health and the importance of early detection. This year I created a new questionnaire to be used during these educational programs. The questionnaire consists of a series of true/false questions designed to determine how much information women in the community already have regarding breast/cervical health, statistics, risk factors, signs, symptoms, detection, and treatment. After they completed the questionnaire I tried to dispel any myths or incorrect information they may have had with statistical facts. I also gave the women the opportunity to search for lumps in the breast models along with providing them with numerous flyers and brochures. I gave educational programs at many sites including First Step Home, Welcome House, Booth Residence, and Off The Streets.

I was also given the opportunity to shadow physicians and nurses in different areas of women's health. I have shadowed at the Center for Women's Health and the Breast Imaging Center at the Barrett Cancer Center.

I am very grateful to the Urban Health Project for providing me with this internship. I feel fortunate that I have been able to share my medical knowledge with an underserved population. I believe these women truly want to protect their health and I feel fortunate to educate them on breast and cervical cancer and the importance of early detection. The Breast and Cervical Cancer Project is an invaluable resource and I hope anyone in need of their services will feel free to contact them.