Breast Self-Exam Kits Available Now!

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Washington women, and the second leading cause of cancer death, according to the Susan G Komen for the Cure® Puget Sound Affiliate.

San Juan County ranks second highest on the State Cancer Profiles list in incidences of breast cancer, and the trend is rising.

While there is uncertainty regarding strategies to prevent the disease, it is well proven that early stage diagnoses can greatly improve a woman’s chance for survival. In addition to mammography, breast self-exams are an important step in detecting tumorous lumps.

To encourage women to conduct monthly self-exams, Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor (SIFRI) has recently donated 125 LIV® Breast Self-Exam aids to Planned Parenthood, the SJ County Nutrition Program for Women, Infant & Children (WIC) program, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) and The Village at the Harbor, for distribution to clients.

Patricia Brightman, Community/Legal Advocate for DVSAS notes, “DVSAS encourages self-care and wellness with our clients and staff. Being able to give them a more effective way to do breast self-exams is a great way to promote that mission.”

The LIV® aid is a heart-shaped simple medical device that a woman can use every month to perform a correct breast self-exam. Made with a soft, pliable thermoplastic polyurethane film, it molds to the skin and provides a smooth surface for the fingers to easily glide over the breast tissue. The most sensitive touch sensors are located in our fingertips, but if we touch our body with our bare hands, the brain receives messages from not only the finger but the breast as well. This can confuse the brain and inhibit clear sensations. But with the LIV® between the fingers and the breast, the confusion from skin-on-skin contact is eliminated, and the fingers can more readily detect lumps during the self-exam.

Suki Boydston, RN, PHN, and a public health nurse for San Juan County Health & Community Services works closely with WIC clients and other women in the community. “I truly appreciate the Soroptimists as a valuable partner in promoting the health of our community.”

The Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor’s mission is to improve the lives of women and girls, locally and around the globe. Current annual disbursements are close to $45,000 and include:

• Ferry tickets for cancer patients and their caretakers traveling to the mainland for treatment
• Small emergency grants to women in need
• Regular support and volunteers for DVSAS and Family Resource Center of San Juan Island
• Matching WIC payments at the Friday Harbor Farmers Market
• Thanksgiving meals prepared and delivered to homebound islanders
• Annual awards and scholarships for local women
• The Great Island Give Away
• Involvement in a variety of community events and more.

For more information, contact: Stephanie Prima, by phone at: (360) 378-1188 or by email at:
sps13 [@] musetta [.] us

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