Books on cancer for people with learning disabilities
This page has information about books on cancer for people with learning disabilities. But they could also be useful for people who don’t speak English or don’t read. There is information about
It can be very difficult for people with learning disabilities to find suitable information about cancer. Books written for the general adult population may be difficult for them to follow and there isn’t a lot else available.
The books and leaflets in the lists below use colour pictures making it easier for people with learning disabilities to understand an important message. They are designed to help them explore their feelings and feel able to talk about a difficult event such as going to the doctors or having a smear test. Some books have guidelines alongside the pictures. This is for carers and health professionals to refer to when showing them to people with learning disabilities.
There are books and leaflets about having cancer, checking for cancers, going to see your doctor and going to the hospital. There are also books dealing with difficult issues such as when someone you love dies. The leaflets are free but you have to pay for the books. There are details about the cost and how to get copies below.
Picture based books and leaflets are most useful for
- People with learning or communication difficulties
- Anyone caring for or working with people who have learning disabilities
- People who can’t read or find it difficult to read
- Helping people whose first language is not English when there is no interpreter
We have listed the full range of this series that is applicable to cancer in any way. Each book is also listed on the appropriate CancerHelp UK reading list. You can order your own copy of any of these books from The Royal College of Psychiatrists website.
Getting On With Cancer
Veronica Donaghy, Jane Bernal, Irene Tuffrey-Wijne and Sheila Hollins
Illustrated by Beth Webb
Gaskell, November 2002
Spiral bound, £10.00
ISBN 1 901242 84 6
This is a true story about a woman with Down’s syndrome whose doctor tells her she has cancer. It describes how scared this makes her feel. She is reassured that the cancer can be cured but will need to have surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The book is designed for use by anyone working with people who have a learning disability and have been diagnosed with cancer.
Looking After My Balls
Sheila Hollins and Justin Wilson
Illustrated by Beth Webb
Gaskell, June 2004
Paperback, £10.00
ISBN 1 904671 05 5
This book covers testicular self examination, seeing your GP and early investigations that you may need if your doctor thinks you may have a problem with your testicles. It doesn’t have information on testing for cancer or treatment for testicular cancer.
Looking After My Breasts
Sheila Hollins and Wendy Perez
Illustrated by Beth Webb
Gaskell, November 2000
Paperback, £10.00
ISBN 1 901242 53 6
This book tells a simple story about a women going for a mammogram and getting her result. It also explains what happens if you are called for further tests and how to look out for any changes in your breasts – being breast aware.
Keeping Healthy Down Below
Sheila Hollins and Jacki Downer
Illustrated by Beth Webb
Gaskell, November 2000
Paperback, £10.00
ISBN 1 901242 54 4
This book is designed to help prepare women with learning disabilities for a smear test. It talks about whether or not to have a smear test, what actually happens when you do have one, getting your test results and health education. It also looks at the emotions you may have about having a smear test.
Going to the Doctor
Sheila Hollins, Jane Bernal and Matthew Gregory
Illustrated by Beth Webb
Gaskell, 1996
Spiral bound, £10.00
ISBN 1 874439 13 3
This book uses a story about two people going to see their doctor and what happens to them. It aims to help people with learning disabilities overcome fears about seeing their doctor, understand what is going on and know how to communicate their problems. GP’s and primary health care workers would also find this book useful when they have appointments with those with learning disability.
Going to Outpatients
Sheila Hollins, Jane Bernal and Matthew Gregory
Illustrated by Denise Redmond
Gaskell, 1998
Paperback, £10.00
ISBN 1 901242 18 8
This book is aimed at people with learning disabilities, their carers and health professionals in the hospital setting. It is designed to support patients by explaining in pictures what happens in various outpatient situations. It covers their feelings, trying to find the outpatient department and waiting to see the doctor. It also illustrates common procedures such as an ultrasound and X-ray. This book is usually best when read along side ‘Going into Hospital’.
When Somebody Dies
Sheila Hollins, Sandra Dowling and Noelle Blackman
Illustrated by Catherine Brighton
Gaskell, June 2003
Paperback, £10.00
ISBN 1 901242 90 0
This book uses stories to deal with bereavement. It illustrates counselling and shows how this may help people cope better with their feelings.
When Mum Died
Sheila Hollins and Lester Sireling
Illustrated by Beth Webb
Gaskell, 2004
Paperback, £10.00
ISBN 9781904671039
This book uses pictures to tell a simple but moving story about a mother dying. It ends in a positive way showing that there is hope in the future. Although this book is aimed at people with a learning disability it is also very useful for parents and teachers trying to explain to children about the death of a parent.
When Dad Died
Sheila Hollins and Lester Sireling
Illustrated by Beth Webb
Gaskell, 2004
Paperback, £10.00
ISBN 9781904671046
This book uses pictures to tell a simple but moving story about a father dying. It ends in a positive way showing that there is hope in the future. Although this book is aimed at people with a learning disability it is also very useful for parents and teachers trying to explain to children about the death of a parent.
50 or over? Breast screening is for you
This is a picture leaflet for women with learning disability to tell them about breast screening and where to get more information.
You can read or download this leaflet in PDF format from the NHS screening programme website.
Having a Smear Test
This is a picture leaflet for women with a learning disability to tell them about having a smear test and where to get more information.
You can read or download this leaflet in PDF format from the NHS screening programme website.
An easy guide to having a colonoscopy
A picture leaflet about colonoscopy, by and for people with learning disabilities.
You can read or download this leaflet in PDF format from the NHS screening programme website.
Fair (Family Advice and Information Resource) are an organisation who provide information for people with learning difficulties. Their booklets, CD roms and other materials have easy to read information on a range of subjects including checking for cancers, living with cancer, bowel cancer and maintaining good health. Booklets cost £1.00 and CD roms £3.50. To order, visit their website http://www.fairadvice.org.uk/orderform.htm
A guide to examining your breasts (booklet and CD rom)
This booklet gives illustrated advice to women about how to check their breasts for early signs of cancer. It also contains tips on staying healthy and looking and feeling good.
A guide to examining your testicles (booklet and CD rom)
An easy to read booklet, giving men of all ages everything they need to know about checking their testicles for early signs of cancer. It also answers questions such as
- Why should you check your testicles?
- How should you do it?
- Where is the best place to do it?
A guide to having a smear test
A booklet on what a woman needs to know about going for a smear test, and what happens afterwards.
Living with cancer series
The first in a series of booklets about living with cancer is called 'What is Cancer?' It explains what cancer is and describes different treatments. As well as including tips for healthy living. There is also 'Someone I know has cancer – what does this mean for me?'
Going to Hospital
This DVD is produced by Speakup, a self advocacy group run by and for people with learning difficulties. Speakup produces information booklets and leaflets for people with learning difficulties. They also help people with learning difficulties to speak up for themselves and provide support and training to businesses and service providers so that they meet the needs of people with learning difficulties.
The DVD explains what it is like to
- Go into hospital for an out patient appointment
- Stay overnight in hospital
It follows Shelley who has an operation. This DVD is not specifically for people who have cancer but it would be helpful to anyone with learning difficulties who have not been to hospital before and don’t know what to expect.
You can order your copy of this DVD by contacting Speakup at
Speakup
31 Broad Street
Parkgate
Rotherham
S62 6DX
Tel: 01709 710199
Fax: 01709 510009
Email: info@speakup.org.uk
Website: www.speakup.org.uk
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