Drawing on my experience as a Know Your Lemons educator [*] promoting breast cancer early detection, I have found that culturally sensitive visual materials can help people engage with subjects they may otherwise feel uncomfortable discussing.
Using lemons to represent breasts makes it easier to explain breast changes without displaying images that some audiences may consider inappropriate. In my experience, this opens opportunities for education across different settings and groups.
I believe cervical cancer education could benefit from a similar approach: accessible visual materials that respect local sensitivities while communicating accurate health information.
Standardised educational materials are also important. They help educators communicate essential messages consistently and explain what people can do next. Materials should be adaptable to local languages and different levels of literacy, while preserving the accuracy of the core information.
For HPV self-sampling, distributing collection kits should be accompanied by education. Women need to understand why screening matters, its potential benefits for themselves and their families, how to collect and return a sample, how they will receive their results, and what follow-up may be needed if the result is positive.
Education should reach people across occupations and social backgrounds. Through Know Your Lemons, I have been able to engage office employees and cleaning staff, members of the Dharma Wanita women’s association, and women working in nutrition service units known as SPPG.
I would like cervical cancer education to achieve the same inclusive reach. For HIFA, the opportunity is to support accurate, culturally appropriate educational materials that help people understand prevention and navigate the services available to them.
HIFA profile: Jum'atil Fajar is Medical Care Director at RSUD, the Dr. H Soemarno Sosroatmodjo Hospital, in Indonesia. Professional interests: helping health professional to access up to date health and medical information to improve services. Jum'atil is a HIFA and CHIFA Country Representative. jumatil AT gmail.com
[*Note from HIFA moderator (NPW): Thank you Jumatil. Know your Lemons is a global campaign for breast cancer education and early detection. https://knowyourlemons.org ]