LGBT Issues
Posted 5/31/2012
Posted in
Women are women and we all have breasts. Nevertheless, there may be issues that are especially relevant for LGBT women. Fortunately, these concerns no longer need to be closeted, and women can talk openly about their needs. There are lesbian women in most of my groups, and it is always clear that relationship and family worries are the same. Like their male counterparts, lesbian partners are scared and sad and sometimes overwhelmed and frustrated by increased demands and responsibilities. Children, in all kinds of families, certainly have the same feelings about their mothers.
The fact that this piece is from the Komen Foundation, not exactly a liberal bastion, is a real marker of how far we have come. Here is an excerpt and then a link to read more:
Is there an increased risk?
Lesbian, gay, bisexual women and transgender people have a greater risk of breast cancer than other women. The risk is not because of their sexual orientation. Rather, it is because some risk factors for breast cancer and barriers for breast cancer detection - never having children and not seeing a doctor on a regular basis - occur more often in these populations.
For many heterosexual women, reproductive health issues are their main link to the health care system. When seeing a doctor about reproductive health, breast health is often addressed, including clinical breast exams and mammograms. Because lesbian, gay and bisexual women may not have children, they may seek routine reproductive health care less often, leading to fewer chances to have screening tests. Some people may also avoid or delay visiting a health care provider because they are afraid of being treated poorly due to their sexual orientation. As a result, breast cancer may not be found as early as possible.
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