Vol. 20, Issue 5, June 29, 2022

Everything from weddings to memorials have been put on hold during these last two years of social isolation due to the pandemic. One unfortunate result is that people have put off their health screenings, some by their own choice and some as healthcare providers cut back on other services while they provided care for COVID patients.

I see in the news that weddings are definitely on the comeback. But what about health screenings, especially breast cancer screenings?  I read a report the other day that prolonged delays in breast cancer screenings have led to delayed diagnosis, poor health outcomes, and an increase in racial and social disparities.

We all know that regular mammography screenings are vital to early breast cancer detection and treatment. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, and one in eight of us are expected to develop the disease at some point in their lives.

Data published last year in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicate that recently there has been an increase in mammogram bookings since a near-complete halt in March 2020, but it is unclear whether the rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, bookings among Asian and Hispanic women remain low.

I also note that I have yet to see a return of the annual Breast Cancer Awareness events that are usually so predominant during October. It’s not too late to plan one and to book a great breast cancer awareness or survivor speaker. And a reminder: these events can be successful, whether in person or virtual. 

In relation to this screening issue, I’m thinking of one speaker in particular, Tracy DeGraaf, who is very effective at inspiring women to step up and be screened. Tracy is a breast cancer survivor, who, as a result of a mammogram, caught breast cancer early, and is passionate about the importance of mammograms. In fact, she reported that she did a cancer awareness event just last week — in June, no less — and 64 women registered on the spot for their mammograms. That’s impressive!

Tracy DeGraaf

Humoring Women into Getting Their Mammograms! It Works!

Want to see your mammogram numbers go up?  Tracy DeGraaf doesn’t shame women into getting their mammograms; she humors them into it. 

When Tracy was in her 20’s, she lost her mom, age 51, to bone cancer, creating a hole in her life that never filled up. That’s one reason she has been religious about getting her mammogram annually since age 40.

“I became proactive about cancer screening because I lost someone dear to me so early in my own life,” she said. “Even though there’s no screening for bone cancer, I realized the inherent importance of screenings that are available.”

“I never in a million years expected to be the one out of eight, at age 50, to hear the words, ‘You have cancer.’

“On the other hand, it was caught at stage 1. There was no lymph node involvement. I had a lumpectomy and 3 weeks of daily radiation, and I didn’t have to have chemotherapy.

“If you’re going to be the one out of eight, it really does make a difference to catch it early, and that’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about mammograms,” she said.

She’s quick to point out that it wasn’t a walk in the park by any means. It was scary, but once they had the diagnosis and a plan in place, all her focus and energy went into getting well.

“That’s what I find very ironic,” she says. “The #1 excuse I hear from women about putting off getting their mammogram, is they ‘don’t have time’ — because they’re so busy taking care of everyone else.  Believe me, if cancer shows up, you will make the time to handle it. It will become your #1 priority. You matter. You don’t want to leave a hole in your family’s life if you’re not there.”

The #2 excuse Tracy hears from women for not getting their yearly mammogram, is because they “don’t want to know.”  

“I’ve heard this excuse from highly intelligent, successful women who have insurance that covers it,” she said. “That’s the dumbest thing in the world. Ignorance is not bliss, it’s stupidity, and it’s dangerous.”

 

“Cancer Happens, Laugh Anyway”

While the message about the importance of getting mammograms is serious, Tracy delivers it in an envelope of comedy.  She takes her audiences through the seasons of a woman’s life from getting married and having kids to gaining weight and growing a beard — and the many phases in between.

She had already written and developed her one-woman show, “Life Happens, Laugh Anyway,” when cancer caused her to take an intermission.  But as soon as she was healthy again, she felt the call to promote the importance of mammograms. So she adjusted its contents and changed the title to: “Cancer Happens, Laugh Anyway.”

The results have been impressive. Clients have reported huge increases in mammogram appointments after Tracy’s show. And they’ve gotten even more spectacular results when they had a nurse navigation team onsite.  Tracy encourages the women to get up out of their chairs and get signed up in the same room right then during her talk — “You will still be able to hear me,” she says.

Offering a free copy of her book, Laugh Anyway, Mom, when they make their appointment has also been an effective incentive. And her pitch is not limited to mammograms. She also happily promotes other cancer screenings.

Excuses, excuses – we all have excuses for not doing the things we know we should do. When Tracy puts the subject in the context of life and wraps it up in humor, women hear her and take action. To empower women to take charge of their breast health, and to bring Tracy’s bright spirit and powerful message to your community – or just to talk about ways to hold an event to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month –  give me a call at 503-699-5031 or email barbara@speakwellbeing.com .

Until next time, please take care of your self for your well being and those you love. 

Yours truly,

Barbara

For Your Well Being is published with the intention of bringing you insider speaker reports, exclusive stories about special events around the country, meeting planner tips, and fun stuff from the worlds of health and well being. Be well and be in the know!

The Speak Well Being Group is a specialized speakers bureau, focusing on health and wellness for all types of organizations that want to foster health and well being for their employees, members, clients, and in their communities.

We hand select our speakers, and they are not only experts in their fields; they inspire and motivate attendees. Our ultimate goal is to make a positive difference in their lives — a sense of well being, ease, and hope — and likely enjoy some laughter and levity along the way.

Finding the perfect keynote speaker for your special event or conference is my personal passion, not just once, but year after year. It brings me great joy to know that your audience was delighted and moved by the speaker we selected together. I’m committed to making the process easy, pleasant and fun.