American Cancer Society Reaches Out To Lesbian Cancer Survivors
Fri. June 18, 2004 12:00 AM by 365gay.com
Atlanta, Georgia -
The American Cancer Society has begun collaborating with the Mautner Project, the national lesbian health organization, to learn how to better meet the cancer education and support needs of the lesbian community.
"Although lesbians have higher risk factors for certain cancers, there are very few places where we can turn for help," said Mautner Project Executive Director Kathleen DeBold. "The Mautner Project is proud to assist the Society in its heartfelt mission of helping all people face the challenges of cancer - regardless of their sexual orientation."
Studies suggest that lesbians are at greater risk for developing breast cancer and some gynecological cancers. This elevated risk is partially because many lesbians are less likely to undergo regular gynecological exams, have fewer mammograms and are less likely to perform regular breast self-examinations compared to non-lesbian women. In addition, lesbians have higher rates of risk factors for these cancers including obesity, alcohol and tobacco use and the fact that they generally have not borne children.
With the assistance of The Mautner Project, the American Cancer Society conducted focus groups in Washington, D.C with lesbian cancer survivors, their partners and caregivers attending a nationwide conference to determine how to build a stronger relationship with the lesbian community. The results showed the Society has the potential to be a valuable resource for lesbian cancer survivors and their caregivers.
Many of the respondents' needs echo those of others whose lives have been impacted by cancer.
The said there is a need for reliable information about diagnosis and treatment, a desire for guidance in navigating through the health care and insurance systems, and a need for emotional support and a sense of community.
Yet the majority of respondents said they never thought of contacting the Society when they or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer.
The Society is currently acting on key recommendations from the surveys to provide a more meaningful relationship for the lesbian community.
The American Cancer Society's New England Division recently produced "Cancer Facts for Lesbians & Bisexual Women," as well as "Tobacco and the GLBT Community," materials which are also being used in California.
Grassroots efforts to reach the lesbian community also are underway at the American Cancer Society, such as including lesbians in the Society's advocacy efforts; having Society representatives speak at local meetings of lesbian organizations, and inviting lesbians to speak at Society events.
"These activities and others in the planning stage demonstrate the Society's commitment to serving the needs of all people with cancer and their families, partners and friends," said Eve M. Nagler, the national Society's director of special populations.
©365Gay.com® 2004
"Although lesbians have higher risk factors for certain cancers, there are very few places where we can turn for help," said Mautner Project Executive Director Kathleen DeBold. "The Mautner Project is proud to assist the Society in its heartfelt mission of helping all people face the challenges of cancer - regardless of their sexual orientation."
Studies suggest that lesbians are at greater risk for developing breast cancer and some gynecological cancers. This elevated risk is partially because many lesbians are less likely to undergo regular gynecological exams, have fewer mammograms and are less likely to perform regular breast self-examinations compared to non-lesbian women. In addition, lesbians have higher rates of risk factors for these cancers including obesity, alcohol and tobacco use and the fact that they generally have not borne children.
With the assistance of The Mautner Project, the American Cancer Society conducted focus groups in Washington, D.C with lesbian cancer survivors, their partners and caregivers attending a nationwide conference to determine how to build a stronger relationship with the lesbian community. The results showed the Society has the potential to be a valuable resource for lesbian cancer survivors and their caregivers.
Many of the respondents' needs echo those of others whose lives have been impacted by cancer.
The said there is a need for reliable information about diagnosis and treatment, a desire for guidance in navigating through the health care and insurance systems, and a need for emotional support and a sense of community.
Yet the majority of respondents said they never thought of contacting the Society when they or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer.
The Society is currently acting on key recommendations from the surveys to provide a more meaningful relationship for the lesbian community.
The American Cancer Society's New England Division recently produced "Cancer Facts for Lesbians & Bisexual Women," as well as "Tobacco and the GLBT Community," materials which are also being used in California.
Grassroots efforts to reach the lesbian community also are underway at the American Cancer Society, such as including lesbians in the Society's advocacy efforts; having Society representatives speak at local meetings of lesbian organizations, and inviting lesbians to speak at Society events.
"These activities and others in the planning stage demonstrate the Society's commitment to serving the needs of all people with cancer and their families, partners and friends," said Eve M. Nagler, the national Society's director of special populations.
©365Gay.com® 2004
This article originally appeared on 365gay.com. Republished with permission.