Health Concerns
for Lesbians and WSW
1.
Breast Cancer
Lesbians have a greater concentration of risk factors for this cancer
than any subset of women in the world. Combine this with the fact
that many lesbians over 40 do not get routine mammograms, do breast
self-exams, or have a clinical breast exam, and the cancer may not
be diagnosed early when it is most curable. Click here for information
on breast self-exam.
2.
Depression/Anxiety
Lesbians have been shown to experience chronic stress from homophobic
discrimination. This stress is compounded by the need that some
still have to hide their orientation from parents, friends or professors,
and by the fact that many lesbians have lost the important emotional
support others get from their families due to alienation stemming
from their sexual orientation. At Brown, Psychological
Services can help with these problems.
3.
Gynecological Cancer
Lesbians have higher risks for some of the gynecologic cancers.
What they may not know is that having a yearly exam by a gynecologist
can significantly facilitate early diagnosis associated with higher
rates of curability if they ever develop. Click here for more information
on gynecological exams.
4.
Fitness
Research confirms that lesbians have higher body mass than heterosexual
women. Obesity is associated with higher rates of heart disease,
cancers, and premature death. What lesbians need is competent advice
about healthy living and healthy eating, as well as healthy exercise.
Our nutrition
section includes information on healthy eating, sports nutrition,
eating concerns and campus resources.
5.
Substance
Use
Research indicates that illicit drugs may be used more often among
lesbians than heterosexual women. There may be added stressors in
lesbian lives from homophobic discrimination, and lesbians need
support from each other and from health care providers to find healthy
releases, quality recreation, stress reduction, and coping techniques.
6.
Tobacco
Research also indicates that tobacco and smoking products may be
used more often by lesbians than by heterosexual women. Whether
smoking is used as a tension reducer or for social interactions,
addiction often follows and is associated with higher rates of cancers,
heart disease, and emphysema - the three major causes of death among
all women.
7.
Alcohol
Alcohol use and abuse may be higher among lesbians. While research
has found that 1 drink a day may be good for the heart and not increase
cancer or osteoporosis risks, heavier drinking can put you at risk
for being injured or being a victim of crime.
8.
Domestic
Violence
Domestic violence is reported to occur in about 11 percent of lesbian
homes, about half the rate of 20 percent reported by heterosexual
women. But the question is where do lesbians go when they are battered?
Shelters need to welcome and include battered lesbians, and offer
counseling to the offending partners.
9.
Osteoporosis
The rates and risks of osteoporosis among lesbians have not been
well characterized yet. Getting enough calcium, not being underweight
and doing weight-bearing exercise as well as the avoidance of tobacco
and alcohol are the mainstays of prevention. Getting bone density
tests every few years to see if medication is needed to prevent
fracture is also important.
10.
Heart Health
Smoking and obesity are the most prevalent risk factors for heart
disease among lesbians; but all lesbians need to also get an annual
clinical exam because this is when blood pressure is checked, cholesterol
is measured, diabetes is diagnosed, and exercise is discussed. Preventing
heart disease, which kills 45% of women, should be paramount to
every clinical visit.
Adapted
from Katherine A. O'Hanlan, MD
Former President, GLMA and Co-Founder, Lesbian Health Fund
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