Jane Bissell We often hear that lesbian women have a greater risk of developing breast cancer than heterosexual women - but how true is this? Some small-scale studies have been conducted both in the US and in New Zealand and while the results are interesting, they are by no means conclusive nor have they been medically or scientifically proven. Much larger studies are needed to confirm the results. A study by Dr Suzanne Haynes attempted to identify some factors that could increase the risk of breast cancer for lesbian women. She based her results on the information available at the time which was sourced from interviews with lesbians who frequented gay bars in the 1950s, a time from which many of the 'stereotypical traits' of dykes originated, notably obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. Many of these 'attributes' of lesbians are now very dated! Lifestyles have changed. Breast cancer studies of the general population have suggested that excessive alcohol and obesity may contribute to the development of breast cancer but these days, it is unlikely that lesbians, as a group, can be singled out as having a greater risk due to these factors. Another factor which appears to influence the development of breast cancer is early breast feeding. Women who breast feed their children tend to have a lower risk of developing the disease. Once again, speaking in a general sense, lesbians may have fewer biological children so it could be argued that this is a potential factor heightening their risk but, once again, no large scale studies of lesbians as a group have been conducted to prove it. Homophobia may have prevented lesbians from seeking health care in the past and whilst this may still be found today, it is unlikely that lesbians will decide not to seek health care because of it. We do still hear of women afraid to 'out' themselves to their doctors but in most cases, medical practioners accept lesbians as they do heterosexual women, allowing their partners the same respect and confidentiality. If a lesbian woman does encounter homophobic reactions, find another doctor. The Auckland-based Mamazon Club can help lesbian women should they encounter such problems, or have fears or questions relating to their risk or diagnosis of breast cancer. The Mamazon Club's members are lesbians who have had breast cancer and can offer support, social contact and guidance for other lesbians newly diagnosed and as they proceed along the treatment pathway. The group is a founding member of the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC), an umbrella organisation providing a united consumer voice, working to improve the detection, treatment, care and understanding of breast cancer in New Zealand. Lesbians experiencing breast cancer have a strong voice through BCAC. Although it's based in Auckland, lesbian women experiencing breast cancer throughout New Zealand are encouraged to contact The Mamazon Club, should they need information or support. The Club can be emailed through BCAC at bcac@breastcancer.org.nz . As individuals, there are many things we can do to reduce our risk of developing all cancers and other illnesses – for example, eating a healthy diet, moderating alcohol intake, exercising regularly and not smoking. Reducing stress and having fun can go a long way towards improving health too! Reference: Haynes, S: Prevention and early detection of breast cancer in lesbians. National Gay and Lesbian Health Education Conference, 1992. Jane Bissell provides administrative support for BCAC. She is the author of two books about her own journey with breast cancer, ‘Welcome to the Amazon Club' and ‘The Pink Party'. For more information or to order books, visit her official website. Jane Bissell - 16th November 2007