Willow launches Italian version breast health booklet

Feb 24 2011

Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada (Willow) announces the publication of the Italian version of Be Breast Aware in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, on March 8th.
The booklet:

• Promotes breast health practices
• Identifies risk factors and gives tips on how to reduce risk for developing breast cancer
• Explains breast screening and mammograms

“Be Breast Aware was created to provide culturally sensitive breast health information to women in their language of choice,” said Virginia Yule, Executive Director of Willow. “These women represent diverse populations from around the world so International Women’s Day seemed the perfect time to launch the Italian edition. We are grateful to have the support of all who contributed to making this resource available.”  

This free breast health booklet is now available in Arabic, Bengali, English, Farsi, French, Italian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Simple Chinese and Spanish. The Italian translation is made possible by a generous donation from The Stephanie Lanni Foundation.

“Be Breast Aware is an important tool for anyone concerned about their breast health,” remarked Anthony Lanni of The Stephanie Lanni Foundation. “My mother, after whom the foundation was created, was passionate about improving access to breast cancer support networks and especially helping women overcome cultural boundaries.  She would have been so pleased to be involved with Willow and making this important booklet available to the Italian community.”

Be Breast Aware, first launched in five languages in January 2010, is the result of community-based research conducted by Willow, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion.

North American research over the past 20 years drew attention to a correlation between language barriers and lower breast cancer screening rates. Willow conducted focus groups in the GTA with over 45 women of culturally diverse backgrounds, ranging in age from early 20s to late 60s, most of whom were relative newcomers to Canada and whose language of choice was not English.

“Providing multi-lingual resources ensures a greater awareness of programs and services that are currently provided by Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada,” said the Honourable Margarett Best, Ontario Minister of Health Promotion and Sport. “The Be Breast Aware initiative and new booklets will connect women to life-saving breast screening programs in their own communities and provide them with a breast health resource that helps women make better health choices.”

Be Breast Aware is available for download at www.willow.org and free copies are being distributed through community health centres, community-based organizations supporting newcomers, doctor’s offices, the Ontario Breast Screening Program and many more outlets.

To view a copy of the Italian Be Breast Aware online, click here. If you would like a copy couriered to you, please contact Willow.