The Stand Against Cancer Initiative is a state-funded project involving Illinois churches, community groups, and medical organizations. The aim of this collaboration is to provide breast and cervical cancer screening for all women, particularly those who are unable to receive treatment due to racial and economic hurdles.
At Howard Brown Health Center ( HBHC ) , 4025 N. Sheridan, the facility—in conjunction with the Lesbian Community Cancer Project ( LCCP ) —is offering free screenings for women, especially lesbians, until at least June 30. ( However, HBHC always offers a sliding-scale fee for a visit, depending on income. ) To qualify for the examinations, a woman must be an Illinois resident; be 18 or older; be uninsured; have no Medicaid/ Medicare; and earn only up to 200 percent of the poverty level ( about $17,700 ) annually.
Dr. Leigh Roberts, HBHC's medical director, said that the program provides 'uninsured women with free mammograms, clinical breast exams, office visits for Pap smears, and pelvic exams.' Jessica Halem, executive director of LCCP, added that many women qualify. ' [ The financial qualification ] boils down to $8.52 an hour ... so plenty of women fall within this economic bracket.'
Halem also pointed out that the exams are primarily geared to find cancer in its early stages. 'The thrust of this program is around early detection for breast and cervical cancer. With early detection comes early treatment, which means a better prognosis.'
Roberts talked about the importance that this particular program holds for lesbians. 'We know that lesbians are under-screened and [ consequently ] they're at higher risk. When we do find cancer, it's generally advanced and that's not good,' she said. She also expressed her hope that lesbians take advantage of the opportunity. 'Because we're Howard Brown and LCCP and got the money [ for the project ] , we have the privilege of aiming it where we want—and we want it to serve our women,' Roberts said.
Aside from economic reasons, Halem stated that a lot of lesbians do not get checked out of fear. ' [ Lesbians ] fear discrimination and that's very real. That means that they're being denied access to early detection.' Roberts added that the factors influencing lesbians also affected another close demographic at one time. 'It was the same way for gay men before HIV,' she said. 'It's just that [ the disease ] blew the lid off of everything.'
Also, the financial assistance does not end if cancer is detected. 'If a diagnosis is made and further care is required, the program becomes covered by Medicaid, so the patient can have complete treatment. In the past, I could diagnose breast cancer and I had to refer them to Cook County Hospital,' Roberts said.
Halem commented on the importance of getting the word out to lesbians that this type of facility is available to them. 'We have set up this program and we have money, staff, and training. The other piece of this is that the community is going to have to do some work to get in the door. We're looking for women to take control of their health and their lives. In the face of terrible things being said about us ( lesbians and queer women ) , we have to say that we're worthy of this and that we want to live the most vibrant, long-lasting lives possible.'
The grant that allows for the project also provides for a greater sense of community and teamwork, according to Halem. 'That's the point of the partnership between [ HBHC and LCCP ] . This grant is the perfect opportunity for us to be able to do what we both do, what are two different things—but on the same continuum of care. We want to reach women who are silenced and invisible and who are not being reached by the larger, mainstream cancer-serving community. This is our chance to build a community of support of care that offers top-notch medical care and to be with you every step of the way, no matter what,' she said.
The program will be around until at least June 30. For more information, contact Jessica Halem at ( 773 ) 572-5116 and jessica@lccp.org or Dr. Leigh Roberts at ( 773 ) 388-8660.
