Well Women’s Event for people with Learning Disabilities held by Dorset Breast Screening Unit.

Dorset Breast Screening Unit (DBSU) held their first Well Women’s Event for people with learning disabilities to be introduced to our cancer screening and other women's health services. 

DBSU invited women and their carers from across Dorset to come and learn more about the benefits of screening and to see for themselves what is involved to help make them more relaxed at any future appointments.

Victoria Cannings from Dorset Cancer Partnership said: “Today’s event was focussed on helping to reduce heath inequalities – we want everyone to use our screening services and to feel comfortable when they do. We hope by showing people what is involved and answering any questions they or their carers may have before their screening that they will book and keep appointments and when they do come to us, they will be prepared.”

Teams from breast, bowel and cervical screening were all on hand to answer questions and we also had a menopause team there too as often symptoms are missed or not understood. Teams from Dorset MIND, Live Well Dorset, Cancer Matters Wessex, and People First Forum also attended. Twenty people joined us on the open day and we had two women booked in for their screening following the event."

Chelsey Pope, Interim Breast Manager from UHD, added: “The open day just before Learning Disability Week went very well and we were glad to have the opportunity to speak to women about any concerns they may have regarding their breast screening. We had some easy-read leaflets that explained more about screening and attendees were given the opportunity to walk around the unit and see the x-ray and ultrasound rooms and ask questions of staff on how they work. Since the event we have had very positive feedback, including one lady saying she would no longer be frightened to attend the unit, which was what we hoped to achieve.”

The open day was organised in conjunction with Dorset Cancer Partnership and supported by Dorset Mind, Live Well Dorset, Cancer Matters Wessex, People First Forum, and NHS Dorset. Future open days are now being planned, including one focussed for men.