Lesbians have highest concentration of risk factors for Breast Cancer, worldwide

A study conducted by the International Lesbian and Gay Association (IGLA) has found that lesbians have the highest concentration of risk factors for breast cancer of any subset of women in the world, as reported by the Sydney Star Observer.

Of the main contributing factors, many lesbians over 40 do not get routine mammograms, do self-breast exams, or have a clinical breast exam. This therefore means the cancer may not be diagnosed early when it is most curable.

In addition to the main outcome, the report also indicated that many lesbians and same-sex-attracted women do not reveal their sexual orientation to their health practitioner. This invisibility in health situations was invariably implicated by the IGLA in having a further impact on the psychological well-being of the women.

The findings of the report, published in the Lesbian and Bisexual Women’s Health Report, have led to a joint initiative between ACON and the NSW Cancer Council – the formation of the Lesbians and Cancer Project.