ADVOCATING
Advocacy work
Advocacy drives change and breaks down barriers. At My Scars, My Journey, we are dedicated to addressing disparities in breast cancer care and ensuring equitable access to resources.
Our mission is multifaceted, focusing on the inclusion of culturally sensitive educational materials and services tailored to the unique needs of diverse communities. Addressing Cultural Beliefs and Social Stigmas: In many communities, cultural beliefs and social stigmas can significantly hinder individuals from seeking early detection or treatment for breast cancer.
For example, in certain cultures, discussing breast health can be considered taboo, leading to a lack of awareness and late-stage diagnosis.
To combat this, we have developed educational campaigns that respect and incorporate cultural values while emphasizing the importance of early detection.
By working closely with community leaders and local influencers, we can present this information in a way that resonates with the community and encourages proactive health measures.
Example: In a rural area with a high population of a particular ethnic group, we collaborated with local religious leaders to create awareness sessions that included faith-based perspectives on health and wellness.
This approach not only increased attendance at our events but also led to a significant rise in the number of women coming forward for screenings.
Collaborating with Healthcare Providers: Our advocacy extends to healthcare providers, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to offer culturally competent care.
We conduct training programs for healthcare professionals that focus on understanding the cultural backgrounds of their patients, which helps in building trust and improving patient outcomes
Creating Inclusive Educational Materials: We believe that educational materials should be accessible and relevant to all individuals, regardless of their background. To achieve this, we produce a wide range of resources, including brochures, videos, and online content, available in multiple languages and tailored to various cultural contexts.
These materials cover topics such as breast cancer prevention, treatment options, and survivorship.
Example: Recognizing the language barrier in a predominantly Ghanaian community, we translated all our educational content into Twi and conducted workshops in the native language. This initiative led to better understanding and engagement from the community members, who felt more comfortable and supported.
Promoting Inclusivity and Timely Care: Our efforts are aimed at creating a healthcare environment where everyone feels valued and has access to timely care.
By advocating for policies that support equitable healthcare access, we work towards eliminating systemic barriers that prevent marginalized groups from receiving the care they need.
Example: We successfully lobbied for the implementation of mobile mammography units in underserved areas, ensuring that women who might not have access to traditional healthcare facilities could still receive regular screenings. This initiative has led to an increase in early detection rates and, consequently, better treatment outcomes.
Conclusion: At My Scars, My Journey, our advocacy efforts are driven by a commitment to inclusivity and equity in breast cancer care. Through cultural sensitivity, collaboration with local leaders and healthcare providers, and the creation of accessible educational resources, we strive to break down barriers and promote a supportive healthcare environment for everyone affected by breast cancer.