Looking After My Breasts

People who can't read or who don't like written words are often very good at reading pictures. That's why there are no words in these picture stories. These books all tell a story, but they also let the reader tell their own story - the one they see in the pictures. This can tell you a lot about a person's inner world and their understanding of situations. There is plenty to talk about and each story explores feelings and relationships as well as giving information.

Going for breast screening can be worrying. For women with intellectual disabilities there is the added fear of not understanding what is happening. Feelings, information and consent are all addressed in this book. Ideally, it should be used to prepare women before going for breast screening, and to increase breast awareness. In the first story, Beth experiences a sequence of events including receiving an invitation letter for screening, deciding whether to go, having a mammogram, and getting the results.

The second story shows what happens to Beth after she is recalled for further assessment. The third story features Sue who shows how she is aware of her own breasts. She knows what is normal for her and what changes to look and feel for. This book will be invaluable to supporters and carers, to health or social services staff who provide support for women with intellectual disabilities and for staff who work in the screening programme.

Age: Teens and Special Needs