Risk Factors: Lesbians
Lesbians, Bisexual Women, and Transgender People and Breast Cancer
Lesbian and bisexual women may have a greater risk of developing breast cancer because some risk factors such as never having children or having children after age 30, increased rates of smoking, increased rates of drinking alcohol and higher rates of obesity and high fat diets are linked with a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Lesbians and women who partner with women are less likely to see a doctor on a regular basis and therefore not receive regular cancer screenings. Some may be delay seeing a doctor because they are afraid of being treated poorly due to their sexual orientation and as a result breast cancer may not be found and treated as early as possible.
Transgender persons are also at risk for developing breast cancer. Even those who have had their breast tissue removed are still at risk of developing breast cancer. Screening recommendations are the same for female to male transpeople but there are no screening recommendations for male to female transpeople. Any change in the look and feel of your breast should be brought to your medical provider’s attention. Very little is known about the risks of hormone use and breast cancer in transgendered people.
The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition provides outreach and education to the LGBT community and cultural competency training to health care providers. For more information, contact Vicky Tosh-Morelli at (302) 778-1102 x11.