Training model donated to help cancer care

The demonstration model 'Bertha' aims to help women learn how to self-check for cancer symptoms

A training model used to demonstrate how to check for breast abnormalities has been donated to nurses in Wolverhampton.

The demonstration model helps to teach women how to carry out self-checks while at home.

Stafford-based Terrible Titties and Other Bitties cancer support group gave the training aid, called Bertha, to the breast care team at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

"This is the first time we have had a training aid like this," said Debbie Dickson, a clinical nurse specialist.

"It can be tricky to know how exactly to examine yourself and know what feels normal so this training aid will be so helpful," Ms Dickson said.

The group has also donated comfort boxes, containing lip balm, a stress ball, notepad, water bottle and other self-care goodies, for patients having chemotherapy.

'Shatter the stigma'

Rachel Millar, the group's committee member said: "Bertha is no ordinary training aid.

"She’s designed to be taken out into the community to educate women on how to do breast self-checks, raise awareness, and shatter the stigma around getting those all-important breast exams from medical professionals.

“With Bertha, we hope to break down barriers and encourage more women to take charge of their health."