Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and neither does assistance from Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. BCFO knows going to the doctor’s office can be a nerve-wracking experience. There’s uncertainty, stress, questions you don’t know the answers to and questions you don’t know to ask.
For many people, doctor’s visits are made more difficult by having to teach their provider about their identity in order to receive proper care, or being told that they do not qualify for preventive care like screening mammograms because of the sex they were assigned at birth. On top of that burden, assistance groups often don’t cater to people with their life experiences, leaving them without a safety net or support group.
For many LGBTQ+ people seeking healthcare in America, this scenario is more than a hypothetical: it is their lived experience. Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks is here to help.
There are many disparities in LGBTQ+ healthcare. For example:
- When it comes to breast cancer care, insurance companies might deny mammogram coverage to trans women taking hormones because of their assigned sex at birth, despite their increased risk of breast cancer compared to cis men.
- Lesbian and bisexual women are also at a greater risk for breast cancer than straight women, and LGBTQ+ Americans across the board are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured, with women being disproportionately affected.
- A study conducted by the Center for American Progress details how one-third of transgender Americans reported negative experiences with healthcare providers, including being harassed or denied treatment because of how they identify.
No matter how you identify or who you love, Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks is here for you. This Pride Month and throughout the year, BCFO is proud to support our local LGBTQ+ community and to provide a safe and secure place to seek assistance for breast cancer-related needs.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, call (417) 862-3838 or email meagan@bcfo.org to see if we can help.