Lesbian Breast Health Issues
While lesbians face many of the same issues that others with breast cancer experience, this group faces a number of specific concerns. First, lesbians are less likely to visit a doctor for routine gynecological services such as birth control and pre-natal care and therefore are less likely to have cancers detected at earlier, more successfully treatable stages.
Second, lesbians are less likely to seek health care because of the potential discomfort of “coming out” to health care providers. Third, lesbians are at a higher risk of breast, cervical and ovarian cancers because they are less likely to have children by age 30, if at all.
Last, lesbians are affected more directly by women's lower earning power and generally do not have the benefit of a spouse's health insurance coverage.
Remember, you are not alone in the breast cancer journey. Call the Y-ME Hotline and speak with someone who’s been there.
Additional resources
Mautner Project is a national lesbian health organization improves the health of lesbians, bisexual, and transgender women who partner with women, and their families, through advocacy, education, research, and direct service.
Lesbian Community Cancer Project (LCCP) promotes lesbian health with a focus on cancer-related issues. The agency provides support, information, education, advocacy, and direct services to lesbian and non-lesbian women and their families of choice. All services are offered to all women free of charge.
October 2007
