Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
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Q: What is a Lay Health Advisor (LHA)?
A: LHAs are “lay people” who know how to
reach people where they live and work, and to whom others naturally turn to for
advice, emotional support, and tangible aid.
Q: How
do I become an LHA?
A:
To become an LHA, contact HAAP or visit our website for more information.
Q: I am very busy. How can I
find time to do this work?
A: Working as
an LHA does not have to take over your life.
Sometimes you may need to make minor changes in your schedule but you
work when you can. Remember, “No
deed is to small- no amount of time too little”37
and HAAP is always here to help you!!
Q: What if I have problems or questions?
A: Do not
forget that HAAP is here to help and support you.
If you have any questions, need help, or have ideas for a community
program, please contact us.
Q: What will I get from being an LHA?
A: Volunteering as an LHA can be rewarding in many
ways.
· Learn more about your community, important
health issues, health services in your area, and
communication and team building skills.
· A small amount of financial compensation at
the end of the program.
· Rewarding volunteer work helping your
community and friends.
Q: What can I do to reduce the risk of breast
cancer?
A: Studies and research
conducted among different populations show that early breast cancer detection
screening is the best defense against breast cancer. When breast
cancer is detected early and treated promptly, suffering and ultimate loss of
life can be significantly reduced. For
breast cancer that is localized to the breast, the five- year relative survival
rate is 96%. When breast cancer has
spread regionally, i.e., the underarm lymph nodes, the five- year relative
survival rate is 78%. Women who are
diagnosed with distant metastasis (i.e., bone, liver, lungs) have a 21% percent
five-year relative survival rate.39
A:
Breast Self Exam (BSE), Clinical Breast Exam (CBE), and
Mammography are the three methods of early detection.
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation recommends: Breast self-exam
(BSE) should be performed at the same time each month beginning by age 20,
clinical breast exam (CBE) at least every 3 years beginning at age 20 and
annually after 40. Annual screening mammography should begin at age 40.
Q: What
should I expect when getting a mammogram?
A:
Generally, two or three pictures of each breast are taken.
The two pictures of each breast show the tissue from different
perspectives. During the process, the breast is compressed firmly to help
flatten out the breast tissue and get a good look.
Sometimes it is a little bit uncomfortable. For
menstruating women, it is recommended that they do it after their period when
their breasts are not quite as tender and sensitive.
Q: I do
not have insurance, where can I get free or low-cost mammography?
A: HAAP at the University Michigan, School of Nursing
can help qualified women receive free clinical breast exams and mammography
through the Michigan Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP).
Q: What
services are provided by the Michigan BCCCP?
A:
Screening services include an annual clinical breast exam, mammography,
pelvic exam, education about breast and cervical cancer, and a Pap test. Diagnostic
services include counseling about abnormal tests, diagnostic mammography,
ultrasound, colposcopy, and breast and cervical biopsies. Cancer treatment
is available to qualified women including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or
any combination of these treatments.
Q: What are the application criteria for Michigan BCCCP?
A: BCCCP eligibility criteria
varies from state to state. Michigan’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control
Program has the following requirements:
· women who are 40 to 64 years old
· uninsured or underinsured
· low to moderate income
·
not currently in treatment for breast or cervical cancer
· women 65 and older may qualify
A: Yes.
Mammography may detect a cancerous growth before any signs or symptoms
appear.
A: Yes.
Women, beginning at age 40, should have mammography screening every year.
A: Yes.
Several factors, besides diet and lifestyle, increase breast cancer risk
so you should still have regular mammography screening.
A:
It is very important to keep and go to your appointments on time.
It takes several people and sometimes hours to schedule appointments.
If you must miss an appointment, please notify the clinic or
hospital at least 24- 48 hours in advance.
A: Sometimes
mammography can be uncomfortable. However,
it is only for a few seconds and can save your life.
A few seconds of discomfort is nothing compared to possibly years of pain
and suffering and finally death.
