Health information for lesbian and bisexual women

Your health and safety are extremely important. Lesbian and bisexual women are as diverse as the entire community. Like the general population, lesbian and bisexual women vary in terms of age, income, cultural background, affiliation with the lesbian community, and education. Also like the general population, lesbian and bisexual women are varied in their physical activity levels, sexual behaviors, diet, health history, genetics and other factors that affect overall health.

The following general health recommendations for lesbian and bisexual women (and all women) help promote health and prevent disease:

Not smoking and avoiding smoky places.
Eating a healthy and varied diet that is low in fat and high in fiber.
Drinking only in moderation.
Regular health exams and screening for STDs.
Regular Pap tests and STD exams.
Regular breast exams and mammograms after age 40
Tetanus immunization booster every 10 years.
30 minutes of aerobic activity 3-4 times per week.

Some lesbian and bisexual women also have particular health concerns, such as increased risk of hate crimes and breast cancer.

Are lesbian and bisexual women at greater risk for breast cancer?


Being a lesbian does not increase your risk for breast cancer, but having one or more of the risk factors below might. A lesbian or bisexual woman without these risk factors is at no greater risk than a heterosexual woman.

Lesbians are less likely to seek routine health care because of the discomfort of coming out to health care providers and less access to health insurance. With fewer doctor visits, lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to have mammograms and professional breast exams. Studies also show that lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to perform breast self-exam regularly. For these reasons, lesbians and bisexual women may be less likely to have cancers detected at earlier, more treatable, stages.


Lesbians are less likely to give birth by age 30 if at all, which increases risk.


Some studies indicate that lesbians may use alcohol more and have higher body weight, both of which may increase a woman's risk for breast cancer.