A girls' night out of art, entertainment & “getting to know” breast health

Photo Exhibit
A collection of images by seven local photographers celebrating how real women, and real breasts come in all different shapes and sizes.

Theatre
Local actress Melaina Sheldon takes us on a comedic journey through the search for the perfect bra in “Me and the Girls”, a short play written by local playwright Patti Flather.

Q & A
Learn what YOU can do to take an active role in your breast health.

Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm

Why
Getting to know your breasts and what's "normal" for you is the best thing you can do for breast health.

• appetizers and mocktails provided
• door prizes and giveaways
• free childcare (need to RSVP in advance for child care – see contact info below).

For more information, or to RSVP for child care, please contact Brianne at 667-3507 or toll-free 1-800-661-0408 extension 3507.

This project has been developed based on the findings from a research project conducted in January through April, 2009 which sought to identify current knowledge, preferences and information gaps on breast health for young Yukon women.

The research project was made possible with funding from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Community Grant Program. 

The goal of this research project included three phases:

1. Complete an environmental scan on current breast health resources and information available to young women in the Yukon
2. Interview key informants on women’s health to learn what it is that young women should have in terms of education and resources, and
3. conduct focus groups to get a better understanding of what young women want in terms of information and resources as well as what style of information dissemination was preferred.

It was very clear from the research project that we have a diverse population of women here in the Yukon and that there is a variety of preferences for how to receive information.  Results supported that breast health education needs to be comprehensive and multi-faceted in order to meet these diverse needs and should capitalize on existing resources already in our communities.  The women in these focus groups expressed to us that breast health information would best be delivered within the broader context of women’s life-course, rather than focusing exclusively on adverse events such as breast cancer; they want to be able to attend something fun with their friends, but also have concrete information that they can look up in private.  They want to discuss health, not only disease.

It was through the information gathered for this project, that the Health Promotion Unit was able to develop “Getting to Know Your Girls”.  It will include a variety of events including the involvement of local artists in creating educational and thought provoking pieces such as the “Real Yukon Women” photography exhibit and “Me and the Girls”, a short comedic play.  There will be a chance for interactive discussions with health care providers, community leaders and community members, as well as prizes, healthy snacks, and tips on how to create balance in your life and make “breast and personal wellness” a priority.

At the end of the day, we hope to take women from overwhelmed to informed through an interactive, engaging evening of art and entertainment that they can walk away from knowing where to access the information and support they need in terms of breast health in their community.