As you may know, last month was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But unfortunately, breast cancer can appear any time of year. That's why it's important to do a self breast exam every month, especially as an LBTQ woman. Here is a great cartoon about the importance of regular self-breast exams!
As Mo reminds Harriet, it's especially important for you as an LBTQ woman to be conscious of your breast health. Women who have not given birth before the age of 30 are at a higher risk for breast cancer, as are smokers, heavy drinkers, and women who are overweight. Having to come out to doctors and other health care providers can be a challenge, but it is important to find a doctor you feel comfortable with-- for women over the age of 40 it is recommended to have a mammogram every two years, while women who are 50 or older and/or have any risk factors for breast cancer should get a mammogram annually.
For more information on how to lower your risk of breast cancer, vist http://www.breastcancer.org/risk or The National LBGT Cancer Network.
If you would like to make an appointment for our upcoming mammogram screening on
Credit for the graphic in this blog post goes to Alison Bechdel and The Lesbian Cancer Project.
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