A Timely Decision A STORY ABOUT FACING BARRIERS IN ORDERTO PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER
STARRING MARY Prof. YAYA LOLI BLANCA JULIA 1
Mary, Loli y Julia are friends who meet during English classes held at a community center Ladies, the class has ended. See you next week for the exam. I will have to talk to the teacher because I have an appointment to get a Pap Smear during our next class period. A pap what? 2
A Pap Smear! Why do you have to see someone's papa? Our next class is very important. What is that? What is it used for? It s an exam where they take cells from your cervix to look for signs of cancer. It should be done ever so often. 3
What part of your body is checked? It checks your cervix, so it is done through your vagina. 4
WHAT? Check my vagina? How will they do that? That is something you don t show anyone. And the Doctor looks at you down there? Yes, it is not complicated. I put on a robe, lay down, open my legs 5
My husband would kill me if I open my legs for another man! It s a Doctor! If you feel uncomfortable you can ask to get checked by a female Doctor. It is very important to do this in order to detect cancer when it is still treatable. If cancer is not detected early we can end up in a grave. Oh my. I ve been having some pain down there maybe I should go. 6
I will help you get an appointment. But I don t have insurance and its going to cost me a lot. I go to a community clinic where you don t need insurance and they don t charge to much. 7
Ok. I think I will go get a Pap smear. Great! I m not convinced. I would be so embarrassed doing this 8
Two weeks later, Julia, Mary y Loli are in class talking about the appointment Mary, how did your appointment go? Well, it was not as uncomfortable as I thought. I was seen by a female Doctor and she finished in less than 5 minutes. 9
Loli, you have to talk to your husband and make him understand that all women have to get a Pap smear. I brought you this brochure that explains the importance of getting a Pap smear. I don t know ladies 10
Loli, you have to value your health. If you would like I can go with you to your appointment. I m embarrassed and a little scared, but your right. If you go with me I will feel more comfortable. 11
Mary, gets Loli an appointment for that afternoon. In the waiting room they meet a lady who seems very sad Loli, what do you think happened to this lady that has made her cry? 12
Mama, what's wrong? Why are you crying? Ladies, I have been told I have cervical cancer and I don t know what is going to happen to me or my family. I ve been told this is a very good clinic. I am sure they will help you find some treatment. That is my hope 13
Did you get your Pap Smear done often? I felt I had no reason to get checked after having my last child 30 years ago. Last year, I started having some pain and look at where I am now. I did not know how important a Pap Smear was but now I always tell my daughters and friends to get checked. 14
After the lady is called to be seen, Mary y Loli talk a little Now I am really scared. Calm down. Everything will be fine. 15
Days later, Mary, Julia y Loli meet up to see how Loli s appointment went Loli, How was your appointment? Great! Mary, you were right. The Doctor is very good. I told her that I was embarrassed to get a Pap Smear. We spoke for awhile and she explained everything she was going to do. It was a little uncomfortable but like Mary said it was quick and I don't have to worry about if I have cancer. When it is time to get another one, I will be there again no matter what. 16
Ladies, thanks for giving me the information and support I needed to get this important test done. That day I learned that it is better to prevent an illness rather than later lamenting what could have been done. THE END 17
CREDITS This project was made possible by the hard work and dedication of Actors: Montgomery County Community Members Creative Team: Montgomery County Community Members Johana Jones Gabriela Siegel Photographer: Theron Scott Logistical Support: CASA of Maryland Sponsored by: Funded by the National Cancer Institute s Community Networks Program (CNP # U54CA153710) 14
Facts About Cervical Cancer What is cervical cancer? It is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix. What are some of the symptoms of cervical cancer? In the early stages it is possible that NO signs or symptoms are present. If the cancer is advanced it may cause vaginal discharge, bleeding, or pelvic pain How can cervical cancer be prevented? Do not smoke Limit your number of sexual partners Getting the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. This vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer. Am I at high risk of developing cervical cancer? Do you smoke? Have you used birth control pills for 5 years or more? Have you given birth to 3 or more children? If you answered Yes to any of these questions you may have an elevated risk of developing cervical cancer. Early Detection The National Cancer Institute recommends the following screenings to detect and diagnose cervical cancer. Pap Smear (Pap Test) Using a speculum a doctor will look into the vagina and take a few cells from the cervix using asmall brush. This test can find problems that can be treated before they turn into cancer. Pelvic Exam A doctor with gloves introduces 1 or 2 fingers into the vagina while gently pressing the abdomen with the other hand to examine the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries. HPV Test This test can detect the HPV that often causes precancerous cell change and cervical cancer. Remember early detection saves lives. Talk to your doctor. For more information please call 240-777- 1750 in Montgomery County or 301-883-3525 in Prince George s County