Lesbian, bisexual and queer women and breast cancer screening
Lesbian, bisexual and queer women face barriers to accessing healthcare that make it challenging to get screened for cancer. Barriers that can make participating in cancer screening challenging for women in 2SLGBTQI+ communities include:
- homophobia or biphobia
- misinformation about cancer screening needs
- a lack of 2SLGBTQI+ specific resources
- concerns about physical and emotional safety
But getting screened for cancer is an important part of regular medical care for everyone because the earlier cancer is found, the better the outcome and treatment options will be.
Our recommendation
- If you are 40 to 74 years old, have a mammogram every 2 years.
- If you are 75 or older, talk to your healthcare provider about whether having a mammogram is right for you.
Not every province or territory offers mammograms through an organized program or by self-referral for people in their 40s. We are advocating to ensure that women and trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people at average risk have fair and timely access to breast cancer screening, no matter where they live.
Your healthcare provider should help you understand the benefits and limitations of cancer screening. They should be affirming and perform any tests in a way that reduces your discomfort as much as possible. Bringing a trusted friend or loved one with you to your appointment may also help you feel more comfortable. And if you don’t feel comfortable, you are allowed to leave and book another appointment with a different provider.
Find out more about breast cancer screening.