Recent research by The Stonewall Charity suggests that 8% of lesbians aged 50-79 develop breast cancer compared to 2% of their heterosexual counterparts. A recent review of unpublished health data in the West Midlands also threw up some further shocking figures, suggesting that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people have higher rates of smoking and other risk factors for cancer. Worryingly there is no data on how other cancers such as lung, cervical and prostate cancer affect the LGBT community as the NHS does not monitor patients’ sexual orientation.
Commenting on the findings, researcher Dr Catherine Meads states “There seems to be a high rate of breast cancer in lesbians and bisexual women, but we have no idea why this is so and it was not investigated in any published papers. Currently it is unclear whether more lesbians and bisexual women report having breast cancer because there is a higher incidence, or because lesbians and bisexual women might be surviving longer and so affecting the figures, or for some other reasons. More good quality research needs to be carried out urgently”
In a timely response to the report Macmillan Cancer Support working with Birmingham LGBT Community Trust are organising an event to bring together people affected by cancer from LGBT communities across the West Midlands. The day will include speakers and consultations to ensure that the experiences of LGBT people are heard and help to improve the cancer support available in the region. Marilyn Meade-Brown, Community Networks Development Co-ordinator for Macmillan in the West Midlands said: “Macmillan provides practical, medical, emotional and financial help to people affected by cancer from the moment of diagnosis and throughout their cancer journey. We want to hear from LGBT people who have been affected by cancer as patients, carers, partners, family members, friends or colleagues. Your stories about your experience will help us to improve the support available in your area. Whoever you are and whatever your experience, now or in the past, we want to hear it.”
In a timely response to the report Macmillan Cancer Support working with Birmingham LGBT Community Trust are organising an event to bring together people affected by cancer from LGBT communities across the West Midlands. The day will include speakers and consultations to ensure that the experiences of LGBT people are heard and help to improve the cancer support available in the region. Marilyn Meade-Brown, Community Networks Development Co-ordinator for Macmillan in the West Midlands said: “Macmillan provides practical, medical, emotional and financial help to people affected by cancer from the moment of diagnosis and throughout their cancer journey. We want to hear from LGBT people who have been affected by cancer as patients, carers, partners, family members, friends or colleagues. Your stories about your experience will help us to improve the support available in your area. Whoever you are and whatever your experience, now or in the past, we want to hear it.”
The event will take place on Saturday 17th October at BVSC, Digbeth, Birmingham and booking is essential. For further information and/or to book your place call Angela Savage : 01676 531722 or email:
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