WHY DO WSW HAVE HIGHER CANCER
AND SOME STI RATES?

1. We have higher risk factors!

In comparison to heterosexual women, WSW tend to have:
• Higher smoking rates
• Higher rates of alcohol use
• Higher stress levels
• Poorer nutrition
• Less insurance
o According to a 2002 survey released by Witeck-Combs Communications and Harris Interactive(r) only 70% of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) adults said they had health insurance coverage, compared to 86% of heterosexual adults.
• And we are less likely to bear children (thus not benefiting from the hormones released during pregnancy that protect against breast and ovarian cancers). ¹

2. We face unique challenges from the sexual health care system:

According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP), WSW are:

• Less likely to access the health care system
This is due to several factors, including fear of coming out to physicians, fear of negative reactions from medical personnel, and lack of health insurance or domestic partner benefits. In addition, we don’t think we need to get annual exams and believe that we have a low risk of getting cancers. ²

• Less likely to receive uncompromised gynecological services than heterosexual women ³
The health care received by WSW may be compromised by overt discrimination or homophobia or incorrect assumptions made by health care providers. ⁴ The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognizes that some physicians are not trained to deal with the needs of WSW, affecting their likelihood to even see a doctor for preventative treatment. ⁵³

WHAT ABOUT WSW IN MINNESOTA?

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