I posted on Facebook recently that I had scheduled my annual mammogram, and I asked what others with breasts were doing to care for them – unfortunately, there’s still a lot of avoidance of this health care practice, and it costs lives. Anything I can do to encourage folks to go get screened is important to me.
The replies varied from humorous to serious, and it got me to thinking even more deeply about sexuality, stigma and consequences.
Several men replied – one reminding us that men have breasts and can and do develop breast cancer as well. He reminded guys to do self-examination on a regular basis.
Another responded that he was trying to get rid of his “moobies” before his daughter’s wedding this fall, and that he and his partner “self-examine” each other’s breasts on a regular basis.
A breast cancer surviving friend from church has repeatedly said that whatever ways work to examine breasts are important — whether it’s you or your partner or a medical professional doing the examining.
“Do it all!” she says.
Humor aside, there are too many people who don’t get screened for breast cancer, not only due to lack of access to affordable options but also because of a thread of shame in our society about body parts that are perceived as sexual.
In a recent class I taught about puberty with girls and grown-ups, there were many comments on the evaluations appreciating the lack of shame and disgust in the presentation — applauding us for “keeping it human.” These were not unusual comments. Folks in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma and Federal Way all have an appreciation for forthright discussion of women’s bodies and their functions without embarrassment or shame.
Unfortunately, shame and stigma are still a part of many peoples’ experience with their bodies, especially their genitals. And this, my people, has very real consequences in terms of health.
Several studies have shown that media (TV, magazines, internet) exposure to so many images of unrealistic body types is associated with an increase in eating disorders in girls and boys. People with poor body images are less likely to get regular screening and exams — breast exams, pap smears, testicular exams, etc.
International efforts regarding HIV prevention are focusing on reducing stigma about the disease, because stigma affects whether people get tested, know their status and get treated. Posting on Facebook about my mammogram was an effort to reduce stigma — to normalize this event. Many people post about an ER visit or a dental exam, so why not a mammogram? Teaching classes for Great Conversations about puberty is another way I hope to reduce stigma and increase healthy body image in people in my communities.
But you don’t have to post or write or speak publicly in order to help. The most important thing you can do is to make sure you take care of yourself — get screened regularly for sexually transmitted infections if you’re sexually active. Get your annual mammogram, regular pap smears, HPV tests, and/or testicular exams. Talk to a friend or family member to see if they are also getting their screenings and exams.
Give regular messages to young people in your life about beauty and attractiveness coming in all shapes and sizes, and remind them that media images are Photoshopped and not realistic. Do this a lot, because youth already get more than 100 media messages a week trying to influence what they will find attractive.
Most of all, be kind and grateful to your body. It’s worth taking care of — every single part of it.
Amy Johnson, MSW, is a trainer and educator in the Pacific Northwest. She is co-author of two books and facilitates classes and workshops in the Puget Sound area and online. Amy specializes in working with parents and in sexuality education and promoting safe and healthy sexuality education and culture in faith communities. All opinions are her own. Amy can be reached at comments@diligentjoy.com.
