LOS ANGELES, CA – An initiative is addressing the barriers and breast health needs among African American women.
- Circle of Promise addresses breast health needs
- In Long Beach mortality rate 70 percent higher in black women
- Initiative has helped 2,200 women receive a mammogram
Many times over the past decade Minister Jeanette Polk would gaze out at this view at Hilltop Park in Signal Hill to find some peace.
“Sometimes it was a few minutes, sometimes it was hours, you know you go back home and everyone wants to know where have you been, you know. But it’s my quiet spot,” said Polk.
Pol is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with stage three in 2007, then when she thought she was clear, she was diagnosed again in 2016, this time with stage zero.
Two surgeries later, now Polk is in year three of a five-year treatment to make sure it doesn’t come back. Four times a year she goes to a community partnership meeting with the Circle of Promise.
The initiative helps empower African American women to be proactive about their breast health because the statistics are alarming. In Long Beach alone, the mortality rate is 70 percent higher than their counterparts.
The Circle of Promise emphasizes early detection. They educate women and make access easy. In the past two years, the Circle of Promise has helped more than 2,200 women receive a mammogram. However, another thing has formed, friendship.
Outside of her own healing, Polk’s mission is to encourage other women to stand up for their health.
“Understand that you have to advocate for yourself. Your voice needs to be heard. If something doesn’t feel right talk to someone,” said Polk.