Our Story
Services We Offer
Mission Statement
Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer
Early Detection
Sister Network
Monthly Support Group
Our Story
Women Of Essence was organized in October 1995 by a group of concerned African-American breast cancer survivors who recognized the need of a service that was lacking in the community.
Breast cancer is the number two cancer killer of African-American women.
We believe strongly in taking an active role informing the community about breast cancer, its early warning and where women can turn for medical treatment, follow-up and psychological support for themselves and their families. Our vision is to bring increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact of breast cancer on the African-American communities we serve. We are particularly sensitive to the needs of the underserved and uninsured.
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Services We Offer
Emotional and psychological support
Resource for medical research
Community cancer education and awareness programs
Speaker's bureau
In-home sister-to-sister support
Newsletter and other educational materials
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Mission Statement
Women Of Essence is committed to increasing local and national attention on the devastating impact of breast cancer on the African-American community.
Donations and funds raised by local chapters provide vital education, resources and referral opportunities for thousands of women.
If you are interested in starting a chapter, joining a local chapter, making a donation or receiving our newsletter, please contact us at:
Women Of Essence
P.O. Box 1854
Lynwood, CA 90262-1854
(310) 537-8227
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Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer
A lump or thickening in the breast
Pain, swelling or change in the shape of the breast
Changes in color or texture of the skin
Discharge from the nipples
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Early Detection
Is the best defense against breast cancer, and greatly increases one's chance for survival.
Health professionals recommend the following steps for early detection:
Monthly breast self-exams (BSE)
Annual breast exams by a doctor
Mammography screening starting at age 35
Mammogram every year for women ages 40 and over
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Sister Network
Women Of Essence is a chapter of Sister Network, the first national African-American breast cancer survivors support group. Chapters are organized by breast cancer survivors who are committed to establishing much needed community health services that are lacking in their neighborhoods.
Sister Network currently has chapters in the following states:
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California
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Florida
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Illinois
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Louisiana
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Mississippi
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New Jersey
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North Carolina
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Texas (2)
Alabama
Delaware
Georgia
Indiana
Maryland
Missouri
New York (2)
Ohio
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Locally, Women Of Essence addresses the breast health needs of African-American women through its local chapter and partnerships with existing service providers.
Monthly Support Groups
The Los Angeles Chapter offers a support group on the first Saturday of every month:
Bilbrew Library
150 E. El Segundo Boulevard
2:30 to 4:00 p.m.
All meetings are free and open to the public.
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