Real-Life Communication
Mammograms (X-rays of breasts to look for tumors) have become quite
common. They are very effective at detecting cancer at its very earliest stages,
when quick and decisive measures can be taken.
One of your children,
a fourth grader, has asked you to come to her school as part of Health Week
to speak for a few minutes on breast cancer and preventative measures against
the disease. At first you are hesitant since you have a very busy schedule,
but you don't see any reason why you shouldn't do it. After all, even young
girls and boys should know about breast cancer.
"It's good to get the
word out. As in any health field, if you cannot talk to people and communicate
with them, you cannot perform effectively," says sonographer Joan Baker. "This
is a hands-on profession, one where you're so close to the action that you
actually touch your patients during the performance of a procedure. You have
to be able to communicate."
Here are the items you're going to cover
in your short presentation:
Breast cancer is surprisingly
common. Here are some statistics:
- Approximately one in eight women is expected to develop breast cancer
during her lifetime
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S., other
than skin cancer
- Two-thirds of cases occur in women 55 years and over
The American Cancer Society (ACS) encourages women aged 40 and older
to have regular mammograms.
Present the above information
in a way that's easy to understand. Remember, you're speaking to a fourth-grade
audience. It doesn't have to be rocket science.