YWCA Salem Oregon

women's health

ywca women's health program

YWCA Women's Health Program

Breast health education and screening referral

The YWCA Women’s Health Program offers education, support and access to screening services to women in Marion and Polk Counties. We offer breast health presentations that stress the importance of early detection by practicing monthly breast self-exams, and receiving annual clinical breast exams and mammograms. We are a great community resource for breast cancer awareness and education.

We are currently funded by grants through the Oregon & SW Washington Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund. Visit the Avon Walk website to learn about their walk series happening across the country. Please call the ENCOREplus Program at 503-581-9922 x304 for more information.

Breast Cancer Awareness Cookbook

Free women's health exams and mammograms

Are you:

  • 40 years of age or older?
  • Without insurance?
  • Unable to afford annual health checkups?
  • Concerned about your health?

You may qualify for a no cost women’s health exam and mammogram through the Oregon Breast & Cervical Cancer Program. To see if you qualify and be referred to a local clinic, please call the YWCA ENCOREplus Program at 503-581-9922 x304.

Breast health presentations

The YWCA Women's Health Program provides breast health educational presentations to the community. There are many options for having a presentation where we come to your location to provide the information. Presentations are also available in Spanish.

Some examples include:

  • Lunch and Learn - Get a group of coworkers together during your lunch hour for a presentation.
  • Coffee, Tea & Me - Invite a small group of friends to your home or local coffee shop to learn about breast health.
  • Community Groups - Schedule a presentation during one of your monthly meetings to provide important breast health information to the members of your group.

If you would like to schedule a breast health presentation, please call the ENCOREplus Program at 503-581-9922 x304 or email akohlmeyer@ywcasalem.org.

Breast cancer support group

Meets the Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. (no cost) YWCA Salem, 1255 Broadway NE Suite 110, Salem, OR 97301. Support is essential when facing breast cancer. This group is for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and/or have had breast surgery. It is facilitated by women who have been through it themselves.

The group provides information, fun and support for everyone and frequent speakers on topics of interest to the group. A lending library of books and tapes is also available. Come and join us.

Please call 503-581-9922 x304 or email akohlmeyer@ywcasalem.org for more information.

YWCA Breast Cancer Support Group Resource Notebook for Survivors (PDF, 500KB)

Community partners

The YWCA Women's Health Program works with many community partners to provide education and support, screening services and awareness events to the community.

Cervical cancer awareness

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006, about 9,710 cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and about 3,700 women will die from the disease. According to the Oregon State Cancer Registry, there is an average of 11 cases of cervical cancer and 4 deaths in Marion County each year.

What is a Pap test?

A Pap test is used to find abnormal cell changes of the cervix before they have a chance to become cancerous.

Screening Guidelines for Early Detection:

Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) no longer need a Pap test, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cancer or precancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy without the removal of the cervix should continue regular screenings.

Talk to your doctor about the frequency of your Pap test, each individual may vary.

Sources: American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, Oregon State Cancer Registry, www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/oscar