October 1st, 1997 to October 7th, 1997

Lesbian Community Cancer Project gets new director, Vicky DiProva

by Lori Weiner

The Lesbian Community Cancer Project welcomed Vicky DiProva, 33, as its new executive director Sept. 15, after a months-long search. For DiProva, who spent more than nine years in managerial positions before earning a Masters' Degree from the University of Chicago's Social Service Administration program, her appointment represents "an incredible opportunity" to effect systemic change within the healthcare industry, as well as broadening the Lesbian Community Cancer Project's range of services to Chicago-area women.

DiProva said there are exciting developments in the works for 1998; the agency hopes to open a West Side clinic, and for the first time, the annual Bringing Our Hearts Together Valentine's Day fundraiser will recognize the Lesbian Community Cancer Project, donating a portion of its proceeds to the agency (other agencies receiving funds from Bringing Our Hearts Together include Test Positive Aware and Open Hand).

"It's wonderful that (Bringing Our Hearts Together) has chosen to recognize the Lesbian Community Cancer Project in this way," said DiProva. "Not only will (LCCP's inclusion) widen our visibility, it's so exciting to see a show of support around women's cancer issues. This gives men the opportunity to understand how their lives are impacted by this ... that their lesbian friends and colleagues are at heightened risk for cancer."

Research suggests that lesbians, as well as women of color, do exhibit a greater propensity for cancer. One reason for the high risk of cancer among lesbians may lie with not having children, which results in higher lifelong exposure to estrogen. Another possible reason, according to DiProva, is lack of appropriate healthcare either by virtue of socio-economic status or a woman's own ignorance of her risk factors.

"Many young women visit a gynecologist around reproductive issues-obtaining birth control or during a pregnancy. For lesbians who don't have children, a visit to the gynecologist might not be uppermost in their minds. But the fact is that most cancers in women are detected by (the woman's) gynecologist." It is estimated that each year, one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer; as many as one-third of lesbians might be affected annually.

LCCP's aggressive planning for ensuring the availability of bisexual and lesbian-sensitive women's healthcare takes a new turn this year. Training tools geared to mainstream healthcare providers are under development, speaking to the feminist and lesbian/bisexual woman's needs. The LCCP has also been asked to participate in a seminar on coalition-building among communities-at-risk by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga., as well as similar seminars by the Chicago Board of Health.

"I have great respect for all the women who have held the post (of executive director of LCCP) before myself," said DiProva. "Each leader has brought a specific vision to the (LCCP's) mission of providing lesbian and bisexual-sensitive resources and information to women affected by cancer. I'm very much looking forward to the tremendous challenges ahead, both for the agency and for me."

LCCP operates two clinics, one on the North Side and one on the South Side, where free Pap smears are provided by appointment. Other women's health services, including mammograms, are also available. Call (773) 561-4662.

Lori Weiner is a volunteer with LCCP.

Take Command Of Your Health
Here are some simple things all women can do to protect their health:

1) DO A BREAST SELF-EXAM REGULARLY. Some women's breasts are naturally lumpier than other women's. By getting to know how your breasts feel, you'll know what's normal and what may require a doctor's attention.

2) ALL WOMEN should visit a gynecologist, and receive a Pap smear, annually. Routine gynecological exams and Pap smears often provide early detection of vaginal and ovarian cancers and other diseases.

3) PRACTICE SAFER-SEX TECHNIQUES, including dental dams and using condoms on shared toys (sharing toys can transmit the PPV virus, which has been linked to cervical cancer).

4) WOMEN OVER THE AGE OF 40 should receive a mammogram annually.

5) ANY DISCHARGE from the nipples, especially blood or pus, requires immediate attention from a doctor.

Send us your feedback!

Site development donated by Benchmark Online Productions.
Web space provided by SUBA.