Lesbian and bisexual women share a collection of risk factors that may increase their likelihood of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Some of these risks include: elevated levels of tobacco and alcohol use, higher rates of obesity, and never becoming pregnant or giving birth. Speak with your healthcare provider about your personalized risk for breast cancer, age-appropriate breast exams and mammograms, and learn how to perform self-exams.
The following are some additional resources for breast cancer prevention and awareness information:
CDC Breast Cancer Home Page
American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Information
The National LGBT Cancer Network
To view a complete listing of all 31 ways to better health, visit our 31 Ways for 31 Days page. For more information about events going on during LGBT Health Month in the Rochester area, click here.
The following Alison Bechdel cartoon comes from a breast self-exam guide created by the Mautner Project, the only organization of its kind in the U.S. dedicated specifically to improving the health (and health care system) of women who partner with women, including lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals.
Pick one up to hang in your shower at RATED F's Love Your Boobs (and chest!) Breastcasting event at the Flying Squirrel Community Space on March 23rd at 7PM!
Another great tip!
I know that sometimes checking our breasts feels like "one more thing" we have to do; one more thing to make time for. But it really doesn't take that long and is vital for early detection and keeping ourselves healthy.
In addition to touching ourselves, we also need to keep up on our annual exams...I just scheduled mine this morning!
I'm rather attached to my tits AND my vagina - so it's worth the extra time & effort :)
Can't wait to celebrate my boobs at the Breast Casting workshop later this month!
Thank you for your comments, Sady! And you're absolutely right... it really doesn't take that long to feel around and make sure everything feels normal. & Like Mo says in the cartoon - if you don't know what you're breasts feel like when everything IS normal, you won't necessarily know what you're looking for if something isn't normal.
Trust your instincts and if you think you feel a change - schedule an appointment with your health care provider to be sure! It's an old and probably cliche saying, but I know I'm always a lot happier feeling safe, as opposed to sorry - especially when it comes to my health!