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What is ENCOREplus®? It is the first program of its kind in the country and according to ENCOREplus®
participants, this program is not only life altering, but life saving!
For more than 25 years the YWCA has been committed to supporting women with breast cancer.
Through the YWCA ENCOREplus® program, women in need of early detection education, breast and
cervical cancer screening, and support services are assisted through education, clinical service
delivery, patient "navigation" and advocacy. The program also provides women under treatment and
recovering from breast cancer with a unique, combined peer group support and exercise program.
ENCOREplus® is a community-based program that aids women in need of early detection education
and breast and cervical cancer screening and support services. It also provides women under
treatment and recovering from breast cancer with a unique, combined peer group support and
exercise program.
The ENCOREplus® program is designed to eliminate inequalities in health care experienced by
many women by removing barriers to access and promoting effective community-based outreach,
education, referral to clinical services and support systems.
The program components include:
- Community Outreach and Breast Health Education
- Referral to low or no-cost Breast and Cervical Screening
- Resource, Information and Advocacy
- Peer Group Support and Exercise for Women Recovering from Breast Cancer (After Breast Cancer Program)
- IBC Peer Support - for a June 2004 press release, please click here.
The After Breast Cancer (ABC) program provides valuable physical and emotional support for
women diagnosed with breast cancer. Exercise classes held in and out of the water help women who
have undergone surgery increase their upper body strength and mobility. Peer group support sessions,
lead by a trained facilitator, allow participants to share their experiences and gain emotional
support from one another. Through laughter, tears and friendship, these group discussions give women
knowledge, hope, and courage to battle breast cancer.
The ABC group meets on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. and on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. at the YWCA, One Salem Square.
See our calendar for details. The ABC group is open to the public free of charge. For more
information contact Amy Martire, Coordinator for Women's and Girl's Wellness at (508)
767-2505, ext. 3017 or e-mail amartire@ywcaworcester.org.
The ENCOREplus® program receives public and private funding. It works cooperatively with local
medical service providers in Worcester and in north and south Worcester County to insure that
women have access to proper breast and cervical health and preventive screening services.
If you have no insurance your existing health plan does not cover preventive screenings, call (508) 767-2505, ext. 3017. We can help!
"My primary care physician told me she was impressed with the progress I've made in improving my range of motion. I can now touch my hands behind my back for the first time in a year." Ruth
What every woman should know…
All women are at risk for breast cancer.
The chance for getting breast cancer increases as a woman gets older.
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among wmen, second only to lung cancer.
What every woman can do…
Perform monthly breast self-exams.
Have a clinical breast exam annually by a health care provider.
Have a mammogram every year beginning at 40 years of age.
Advocate for public policy regarding women's health.
For more information visit the National ENCOREplus® website.
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