Mission In Action

February Focus: Practice Without Pressure Empowers Young Women with Disabilities to Practice Early Detection

 

For many women, finding the time - and the comfort level - to follow early detection practices such as regular breast self exams, clinical exams and mammograms, can be a challenge, and, unfortunately a deterrent to taking the steps that can save lives. For women with disabilities such as Down Syndrome, as well as their caregivers, achieving that comfort level and assuring quality care can be even more of a challenge. Quite possibly, it can even be more critical because women with disabilities often do not receive preventative women's health exams and are at higher risk for cancer

 

Through our community grants program, the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate is proud to empower the mission of Practice Without Pressure (PWP) to help close the gaps between quality breast healthcare and women with disabilities via PWP's Women's Health Initiative. Educating women with developmental disabilities, their support persons and providers on the importance of women's health and breast exams, this unique program uses a hands-on learning experience and a Practice ModelTM to help such women overcome their fears of the procedures, and participate in lifesaving exams without commonly used sedation or restraints.

 

Recently, Dian, a PWP program participant, found empowerment for herself, as well as for other members of her family. Her story offers us all a fabulous lesson on not only taking care of ourselves, but also making sure those we love have the knowledge, determination and support to make life-saving practices a part of daily life.

 

Watch a short video and share in Dian's empowerment as she recounts her PWP experience.

 

 

 

Learn more about the Practice Without Pressure mission and services at www.pwpde.com