Breast Cancer DIY

 New Information: 6-19-2012

LABCA is a grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping in the eradication of breast cancer through advocacy, education, and community involvement. Formed in 1992, LABCA serves all of Los Angeles County and the surrounding counties.
www.labca.com/info/resources/support.php

New Information:   Information just received from:
Lorri L. Jean - Chief Executive Officer of "Gay & Lesbian Center"
she wrote the following to us:

www.lagaycenter.org
"I almost never do this—but I’m asking you to help me spread the word about a very important new support group at the Center. It’s a support group for women in our community impacted by breast cancer, but I need help from you men too.

The Center regularly offers support groups for men in our community impacted by disease, especially HIV/AIDS. And while I’m astounded to say this, I cannot remember when we have had a support group for women impacted by breast cancer. But we do now!

Do you know a lesbian, bisexual or transgender woman who is facing any issue with breast cancer? Who wants support? Or who is looking for other women who can relate? Please forward this email to her and tell her about this group!

Breast cancer is a serious problem for all women, including the women in our community. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, a woman has a one-in-eight chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime (the older she lives, the greater the chance).

BUT…if a woman has never been pregnant or if she got pregnant for the first time after the age of 30, then she is at higher risk. This may mean that lesbians are at higher risk, given that as a group, we have children less frequently than our heterosexual counterparts.

In the last few years, many of my friends have been impacted by breast cancer. When two breast cancer survivors approached the Center, volunteering to facilitate a support group, we jumped at the chance. But this will only work if we get the word out to the women who would benefit from it.

The group meets every Wednesday from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza. Women are asked to RSVP and participate in a brief phone interview before their first meeting. To RSVP, they should call Susan Cohen at 323-860-7340.