Cancer
Cancer: disparities and resources
While existing data about the rates of cancer in the
LGBT population are limited, researchers speculate that LGBT persons are at high risk
for some cancers and cancer-related adverse health outcomes.
Lesbian and bisexual women may have multiple risk factors for breast,
cervical, and other gynecological cancers but are less likely to receive
regular medical check-ups and screenings than heterosexual women. For
example, lesbian women have multiple risk factors for breast cancer,
including higher rates of alcohol consumption and obesity and lower rates
of giving birth before age 30, but they are four times less
likely to have undergone mammography in the last two years.
Additionally, gay and bisexual men, particularly those who engage in
receptive anal intercourse, have a high prevalence of human papillomavirus
(HPV), which can
result in anal cancer. While anal cancer is not common in the general
population, data indicate the rate of anal cancer is 80 times higher in gay and bisexual
men than in heterosexual men. Finally, co-occurrences
with HIV/AIDS can substantially reduce gay and bisexual men's cancer
survival rates.
The following resources are intended to address cancer concerns and
disparities affecting the LGBT community.
All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the
benefit of the general public. The Department of Health Services does not
testify to, sponsor, or endorse the accuracy of the information provided
on externally linked pages.
Hyperlinks marked with the 
icon indicate Wisconsin resources.
Anal
cancer
Description: Information symptoms and diagnosis of anal cancer among
men who have sex with men, including an overview; published by
healthcommunities.com
Resource availability: Internet
Cancer facts for gay and bisexual men
Description: Information on risk,
prevention, and detection of lung, skin, prostate, colon, anal, and
testicular cancers among gay and bisexual men; published by the American
Cancer Society
Resource availability: Internet
Cancer facts for lesbian and bisexual women
Description: Information on
risk, prevention, and detection of lung, skin, colon, breast, and
gynecological cancers among lesbian and bisexual women; published by the
American Cancer Society
Resource availability: Internet
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- Tips from Former Smokers
Description: Real stories of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT)
people who are suffering from smoking-related diseases and disabilities.
Resource availability: Internet
General
information on transgender people and cancer
Description: Information about risk factors, and transgender-specific
cancer screening guidelines; published by Vancouver Coastal Health
Resource availability: Internet
Mautner Project
Description: The Mautner Project is committed to improving the
health of women who partner with women including lesbian, bisexual and
transgender individuals, through direct and support service, education
advocacy.
Resource availability: Internet
National LGBT Cancer Network
Description: Information on population
specific cancer risks, optional electronic screening reminder
Resource
availability: Internet
National LGBT Cancer Project
Description: National nonprofit LGBT organization providing cancer
survivor support and advocacy services.
Resource availability: Internet
Out With Cancer
Description: Cancer information and social network for LGBT persons
diagnosed with cancer.
Resource availability: Internet
Promoting Cervical Cancer Screening Among Lesbian and Bisexual Women
Description: Policy paper from the Fenway Institute addressing
the importance of cervical cancer screening for lesbian and bisexual
women.
Resource availability: Internet
Last Revised: May 09, 2013 |
