Breast Cancer Awareness

You may know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you know that lesbian and bisexual women are at an increased risk of breast cancer compared to heterosexual women? This is partly due to the fact that lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to get routine health checks and mammograms. This in mind, let’s review the facts related to breast cancer:

·  Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the world and the U.S. That said, it is very treatable if detected early, with a 98% treatment success rate for stage 1 breast cancer. Mammograms are also able to detect cancerous tumors before they can be felt by a self-examination.

·  Breast cancer is not exclusive to cisgender women. Trans women and trans men are also at risk of breast cancer. While much rarer, cisgender men can be diagnosed with breast cancer as well.

·  Your risk increases with age, especially after age 45. You should receive yearly mammograms between the ages of 45-55. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you can begin receiving mammograms closer to age 40.

·  Those who are overweight, drink alcohol, have never had children or have never breastfed are at an increased risk.

·  Be aware of the initial signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Check your breasts at least once a month for abnormalities and discuss them with your doctor.

Read more at breastcancernow.org.