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How to Convince Someone to Take a Breast Test
by Debbie Sarig
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Overview
Early detection of breast cancer is the key to surviving breast cancer, which is why going for a periodic breast test can be critical to a person's health. If you know someone who is afraid to go for a breast test or just never gets around to it, you can take steps to try and convince them to go for a breast test.
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Convincing Someone to Take a Breast Test
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Step 1
Educate yourself about breast tests.
Before you can convince someone else to go have a breast test, you should educate yourself about breast tests, including early detection and screening. The more information you have ready at your fingertips, the more prepared you will be and the more likely that you will succeed in convincing them. You should read up about breast tests, including mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs and a manual exam by a physician.
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Step 2
Try to reason with the person.
Some people have what I call the ostrich syndrome. They figure if they bury their heads in the sand, then the problem won't happen. It is important to realize that people sometimes have an irrational fear of medical tests--that if they don't go to the test, then they won't be diagnosed--and by not going they will avoid getting cancer.
You want to help them believe in the power of medicine. Sometimes just by talking about it, the fears will be allayed.
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Step 3
Point out misinformation.
Sometimes there is misinformation given to women, both about dangers and about costs. You can give them pamphlets, direct them to websites or just share your knowledge and experience with them.
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Step 4
Offer to take on the technical aspects.
Tell the person that you will schedule the appointment for them and even accompany them if that will help get them to the test. Sometimes it's just a matter of the person getting organized and prioritizing the breast test. If you take the scheduling off her hands and go with them to hold her hand, you may increase the chances of them actually getting examined.
