Love Yourself
A Self-Care Event at CAMP Rehoboth
According to a Stanford University study published online in the February 2, 2023 issue of JAMA Oncology, LGBTQ+ patients are more likely to experience delays in diagnosis when it comes to breast cancer and are more than three times as likely to see the breast cancer come back than people who are heterosexual or cisgender.
In response, CAMP Rehoboth is partnering with the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC), Planned Parenthood of Delaware, and Beebe Healthcare to offer no-cost breast/chest exams, along with other screenings and services. The event, titled “Love Yourself: A Self-Care Event,” will take place at the community center on February 10, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Registration is not required.
“Breast/chest exams are one of the most important early breast cancer screenings, to improve the chances of finding breast cancer early. The earlier breast cancer is found, the easier it is to treat,” said Adriana Viveros-Sosa, Program Manager for Women’s Health Screening at DBCC. Additionally, DBCC patient navigators will be present to help attendees schedule a mammogram after the exam.
This partnership and event follow the series of events held by DBCC called “Love Your Breasts.” The event was renamed to be more specifically inclusive of transgender community members, who may experience body dysmorphia related to their breasts/chest.
The purpose behind the event became especially resonant for Rev. Karla Fleshman, a three-year breast cancer survivor and owner and Clinical Director of Transitions Delaware. Finding out about the event through another DBCC function, Fleshman explained why she shared the event with Transition Delaware’s network.
“Almost everyone served through Transitions Delaware identify as LGBTQ+, with the majority transgender/gender expansive; and most LGBTQ+ folx are hesitant to seek out medical care for fear of microaggressions. DBCC and Planned Parenthood are established and reputable allies in serving LGBTQ+ folx; and to see their partnering with CAMP Rehoboth to create an accessible, safer space for queer folx to tap preventative medical services is simply beautiful.
“It can be scary to have body parts checked that we may not like having; and it can be scary to “be seen” by medical staff. Knowing that everyone at the CAMP Rehoboth event will be allies and affirming of all our different bodies, genders, and sexual orientations will make it less scary! And in my case, early detection led to excellent post-cancer health outcomes.
“I’ve always said to my transtastic clients, ‘as long as you have the body part, it’d be good for you to get it regularly checked so that it doesn’t cause more attention than it already does in your daily life...regular screening saves lives...and your life matters!’” said Fleshman.
Planned Parenthood of Delaware will also be present to answer questions about LGBTQ+ healthcare and related screening questions. “At Planned Parenthood of Delaware, we recognize the need to provide comprehensive care for underserved and marginalized communities. We know that health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community exist, and we are so proud to offer a wealth of services to meet the needs of all patients,” said April Thomas-Jones, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Delaware. “We are excited to partner with CAMP Rehoboth to bring early detection screenings to Delawareans and increase awareness of and access to care.”
Courtesy of Beebe Healthcare, other services/screenings include: flu shots, mpox vaccinations, fingerstick glucose, fingerstick lipid panel, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and lung cancer pre-screenings.
CAMP Rehoboth Community Center is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment for all participants. Bilingual assistance in Spanish and Haitian Creole will be available at the event. Additionally, the community center’s facilities are accessible for community members with disabilities, and the Beebe Health Mobile Unit will have a lift available. ▼
Matty Brown is the Communications Manager at CAMP Rehoboth.