Free workshops to dispel fear of routine checks

The first workshop will be held this Thursday, from 2pm to 4.30pm. Female service users, their friends and female family members are all welcome to attend.

One in five ladies in South Yorkshire currently miss their screening appointments and, as a result, the Screening Team is working closely with local organisations to raise awareness of the importance of attending these potentially lifesaving appointments.

The workshops at Addaction will be informal and interactive, with discussions of the signs and symptoms as well as the risk factors of breast cancer and the importance of early treatment to save lives. Included in the sessions is the promotion of the ‘Fear or Smear’ campaign, which will see healthcare professionals dispel myths around cervical screening, explain why it is vital to spot early warning signs, and provide women with information on the screening process and advice on what to wear. Participants will be able to ask questions and receive signposting to more information on websites and social media sites. Both sessions will include videos, games and quizzes.

Beth Mottram, public engagement officer from Sheffield Addaction DIP, said: “We’re aware how important it is for women to be regularly screened but many ladies still cling to fears and half-truths about these simple procedures, not realising the tests can be a life savers. That’s why Addaction Sheffield is keen to support South Yorkshire NHS in their campaign.”