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Breast and Cervical Health

Breast
and Cervical Health

In 1993, a National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study indicated teachers
had a higher rate of death from breast cancer than women in other
occupations. Although there are no occupationally linked statistics
for cervical cancer, screening issues and barriers are similar to
those for breast cancer. When breast or cervical cancer is detected
early, there are more treatment options and chances of survival
are greater. In fact, Pap tests can in some cases detect changes
in cervical cells before cancer develops. School
employees have unique occupational barriers that often prevent them
from getting regular health exams, including screening mammograms
and Pap tests, that can detect cancer early.

To educate NEA
members and other school employees about these two cancers and early
detection screening exams, and to address school employee barriers
to these exams, NEA HIN launched the Campaign for Breast and Cervical
Health. Through
this campaign, NEA HIN works closely with NEA state and local affiliates
and members to develop replicable early detection training materials
and programs to link members with services and resources in their
states and communities. This is accomplished through:

Local
Intervention Programs and Materials
Through
a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, NEA HIN has developed a training program, Project REACH,
designed to give school employees the skills and resources they
need to plan breast and cervical cancer early detection programs.
NEA HIN also offers materials designed specifically for school employees
to help educate others about early detection. Learn
more about Project REACH and materials available for your local
programs.

The
NEA Cancer Survivors’ Network
Breast and cervical cancer survivors have been involved in the
development of NEA HIN’s national campaign and the Project REACH
Training Program from the beginning. Survivor participation is often
rated as the most important component of NEA HIN cancer activities.
With this in mind, in April 1996, the NEA Survivors’ Network was
established to identify breast and cervical cancer survivors willing
to speak or consult with other local members about their experiences
as a survivor. Interested survivors are placed in a state-by-state
database for referral to other NEA members and Association staff
who request the names of local survivors for speaking, consulting,
and support opportunities. In 1998, the Survivors’ Network was expanded
to include survivors of all types of cancer. Learn
more about the Survivor’s Network.

NEA
Cancer Survivors and Supporters Caucus (NEA-CSSC)
The NEA-CSSC arose out of a need to educate NEA members on the
importance of cancer prevention and early detection. To accomplish
this, a Caucus was established for not only survivors of all forms
of cancer, but also supporters…those individuals who have lost
a friend and/or loved one to the battle. With 141 founding members
in its first two days of existence, the NEA-CSSC aims to build its
membership and teach NEA members that early detection is the best
protection. Learn more about
the NEA Cancer Survivors and Supporters Caucus.

Cancer
Discussion Board
This bulletin board is a place for NEA members to exchange thoughts,
ideas, concerns, and celebrations about cancer survivorship. It
is a place to share ideas, and communicate with others in similar
situations. Post a message on the
Cancer Discussion Board.

Vivian
Roy Bowser Cancer Education Fund
In 1994, the National Education Association and the Texas State
Teachers Association established a national endowment to honor Vivian
Roy Bowser, a former teacher in the Houston Independent School District,
living with breast cancer. After
a long and courageous battle with the disease, Vivian passed away
in 1996. In life she was a leader and example of strength and courage
to her NEA colleagues. Her death reinforced the importance of educating
women about the potential life saving benefits of detecting breast
cancer early. The
VRB Cancer Education Fund is used to develop cancer education materials
and programs specifically for NEA members and other school employees.
Through this Fund, NEA HIN offers small awards, grants, and scholarships
for outstanding work in educating school employees about cancer
and early detection. Learn more
about applying for VRB Fund awards, grants, and scholarships.

National
Campaign Efforts
NEA HIN regularly reviews and makes available existing and new
information and resources to link school employees with the most
appropriate resources for their school community. Check
out a list of links to other key organizations and resources.