Tags
Belarus, Breast cancer, Cancer, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, Project Kesher, Russia, Ukraine
During my 18 year tenure as Executive Director of Women at Risk (WAR), a breast cancer program based at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, we disseminated huge amounts of information helping women navigate a very complicated landscape of disease and prevention. We provided a safe space to get questions answered, offered medical information and peer-to-peer support.
It is hard for me to imagine the challenges women face in cultures where having breast cancer is considered a secret and where support services as we know them are minimal or lacking.
That is why I find Project Kesher’s women’s health initiative in the countries of the former Soviet Union so compelling.
This past week, Project Kesher sponsored its fourth online Women’s Health Forum entitled “Dialogue with a Doctor”. Through modern technology, women from 16 cities and small towns in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Israel participated, along with representatives of seven ORT KesherNet Computer Centers.
An oncologist answered questions focusing on various aspects of women’s health, cancer detection, prevention, treatment, healthy lifestyles, breast-feeding and more. Women with breast cancer asked questions about various treatment options, while others asked the doctor about the effectiveness of self-examination or when to seek medical attention.
The forum went on for several hours. Participants announced their name, community and country before they asked a question. It was clear that many were receiving information of this kind for the very first time. All of this organized by Project Kesher-trained activists.
The doctor concluded the form with these words:
“There is a better chance for a cure when breast cancer is diagnosed at an earlier stage. Cancer does not have to be a death sentence. Thank you for your questions. I could feel the warmth of your hearts as we sit thousands of kilometers apart. I am sure we have done good work together today.”
The doctor’s words are an understatement. Sitting many more thousands of kilometers away and seeing how women in far-flung locations gain access to critical health information is nothing short of extraordinary.
Written by Kitty Silverman
Project Kesher on the M.O.V.E. 
The work of the women of Project Kesher through their leadership and savvy use of technology is advancing the health of women in our regions. Addressing the myths, facing the stigma of breast cancer and increasing access to good health information is saving lives. Thanks for this great post.