Background: A 1992 study reported that lesbians may have a 2-3 times elevated risk of developing breast cancer. This hypothesis was formed by analyzing data from convenience health surveys of lesbians comparing these findings to national data on women in general. These findings were erroneously reported in the popular press that lesbians had a one in three lifetime chance of developing breast cancer. A 1997 San Francisco retrospective study of risk factors among lesbians found that lesbians reported fewer pregnancies, higher body mass index, and more breast biopsies than heterosexual women. The study was limited by the homogeneity of the sample in terms of geography, socioeconomic status, and relatively young age. Purpose: This presentation compares findings from the 1997 retrospective study with preliminary findings from an on-going prospective study that compares groups: a lesbian, her sister, and a heterosexual friend. Methods: Surveys are administered to determine self-reported risk factors for breast cancer. An adaptive sampling technique is utilized and subsequent outreach targets triads in order to diversify the sample. Results: Demographics are analyzed for age, ethnicity, geographic location and socioeconomic status. The preliminary analysis of risk factors will be conducted after the statistically significant number of 691 triads has been collected, anticipated by Fall 2000.
Learning Objectives: * Identify and explain risk factors among lesbians for breast cancer * Compare characteristics of lesbians with other study participants regarding breast cancer risk factors * Identify and explain the potential relationship of demographic characteristics to risk factors
Keywords: Lesbian Health, Breast Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.