TAKE ACTION: CANCER AND THE LGBT COMMUNITY
Many LGBT people delay routine medical care due to negative experiences with providers, homophobia, transphobia, discrimination and lack of or inadequate health insurance. As a result, we are less likely to receive vital cancer prevention education, early detection, and access to treatment when diagnosed.
Specifically, LGBT people are at increased risk for certain types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and cancers linked to human papilloma virus (HPV), such as cervical and anal cancer. Studies show that lesbians access gynecological care less frequently than their heterosexual counterparts, resulting in later diagnosis of cervical, ovarian or breast cancer. Furthermore, gay men have a greater risk of anal cancer due to increased rates of anal HPV.
Reductions in colorectal and other cancers can be achieved through early detection, removal of pre-cancerous polyps, early access to treatment and broadened access to the HPV vaccine for gay, bisexual and same gender loving men, currently only tested on and available for young women.
TAKE ACTION! LGBT people deserve to live healthy lives!
- Get yearly gynecological exams if you are over 16 years of age or sexually active, and a woman, transman (with an intact cervix), or transwoman (who has undergone genital reassignment surgery). If not sexually active, we recommend exams at least every 3 years.
- Get a yearly mammogram if you are 40 years or older and a woman or transperson with breast tissue.
- Get screened for colorectal cancer by age 50 or sooner if there is a family history.
- Discuss your risk for Humanpappiloma Virus (HPV) and need for a rectal pap smear with your doctor.
- Reduce or abstain from smoking tobacco. The National LGBT Tobacco Control Network is available to offer help.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, drink plenty of water and eat a well balanced diet.
Educate yourself about cancer prevention. Remember, early detection can save your life.
For more information, please see:American Cancer Society's Pamphlet for Gay Men (www.glbthealth.org/documents/GayMenCFBrochure.pdf)
American Cancer Society's Pamphlet for Lesbian and Bisexual Women (www.glbthealth.org/documents/LesbianCFBrochures03.pdf)
American Cancer Society's Pamphlet for LGBT People (www.glbthealth.org/documents/GLBTTobacco.pdf)
The LGBT Tobacco Control Network (http://www.lgbttobacco.org/)
The Mautner Project (www.mautnerproject.org)