Breast Cancer Program
Sara's Project funds and supports a number of programs promoting breast health for women in Central and Eastern Oregon.
Breast Cancer Nurse Navigators
Women diagnosed with breast cancer or an abnormal finding are contacted by one of our Breast Cancer Nurse Navigators. These advance practice nurses ensure that each woman has the information and assistance they need through the diagnostic, treatment and recovery phases of breast cancer. A Nurse Navigator is available at no cost to any breast cancer patient and can answer questions, schedule appointments, interface with the medical specialists, clinics and hospitals, or guide women to support services, including the the Support Sisters Program (see below). For more information, contact Peggy Lukens, MSN, RN, FNP or Rosemary Johnson, RN, BSN at (541) 706-2984.
Support Sisters
The Support Sisters program provides one-on-one emotional support and guidance to women diagnosed with breast cancer or women with an abnormal finding that may be related to breast cancer. These trained support volunteers, all breast cancer survivors, are matched with patients so that no woman has to go through the cancer experience alone. This program originated in 1997 and, since its inception, has worked with over 650 women in Central and Eastern Oregon. It continues to set the standard for quality care. For more information, contact Sarah Lewis, MSW, Cancer Services Social Worker, at (541) 706-5864.
Breast Health Education Program
A no-cost breast health education class, taught by a breast cancer survivor, is available to community groups, schools, clubs and businesses throughout Central Oregon. The presentation runs approximately 30 minutes, plus time for questions. It can also be adapted to meet scheduling needs. The program includes:
- How to identify your personal risk factors for breast cancer
- Healthy lifestyle strategies to lower your risk of breast cancer
- How to plan your best early detection program
- The latest recommendations for how to do an effective breast self exam (including a short demonstration video)
- When to have clinical breast examination
- When to schedule your mammograms
- How early detection saves lives
To schedule a presentation, contact Lizzi Katz, Cancer Education Coordinator, at (541) 706-2969.
Breast Cancer Treatment Transportation Grant
Rural women traveling to the St. Charles Cancer Treatment Center in Bend for breast cancer treatment may be eligible for support to cover gasoline, food or lodging expenses through our partnership with the Komen for the Cure Foundation in partnership with the American Cancer Society. Contact Anne Remsen, BA, or Sarah Lewis, MSW, Cancer Services Social Workers, at (541) 706-5864.
Women Surviving with Breast Cancer Support Group
Provides peer-to-peer support and encouragement for women with breast cancer. Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the St. Charles Cancer Treatment Center Library-Bend. Contact Peggy Lukens, MSN, RN, FNP, at (541) 410-2006.
Other Programs of Interest
The goal: to enlist one million women in the fight against breast cancer. The Love/Avon Army of Women offers all women an opportunity to participate in breast cancer research - whether you've been diagnosed with breast cancer or not.
The Sister Study is a national study to learn how environment and genes affect the chances of getting breast cancer. This long-term study of women aged 35-74 partners women with breast cancer with their own sister, related by blood, who does not have breast cancer. A total of 50,000 women from different generations, and from various racial and ethnic groups and geographic regions of the U.S. and Puerto Rico, are taking part in the study.
In addition, there is a "Two Sister Study" that will focus on young-onset breast cancer (under age 50).
For more information on either program, or to participate, see The Sister Study website, or contact 1-877-4SISTER.