Studies have shown that lesbians and bisexual women face more risk factors for breast and other cancers than heterosexual women — an issue that will be explored next week at a free awareness-raising event.
MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is partnering with Mazzoni Center to present “Breast and Gynecologic Cancer in the LGBT Community: Lowering the Risk” from noon-2 p.m. June 16. The lunch and lecture will be held at Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive in Camden.
While all guests are welcomed, including women who have been diagnosed with cancer, the information will be tailored to those looking to lower their risk for cancer, said Evelyn Robles Rodriguez, the director of MD Anderson Cooper’s Cancer Outreach and Screening Program.
“There are some risk factors that are more common in the community that puts women at higher risks for cancers like breast cancer and GYN cancers,” Rodriguez said. “We want to better educate the LGBT community and promote awareness about the cancers that may have more of an effect than others on the community.”
Speakers include Dr. Generosa Grana, head of the Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology; Dr. David Warshal, head of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and director of the Gynecological Cancer Center; Dr. Pallav Mehta, director of Integrative Oncology; Dr. Katherin Hansen, breast surgeon; and Dr. Wendy Martinez, obstetrician/gynecologist at Advocare.
“There will be not only information about cancers, but also about how to stay healthy in general,” Rodriguez noted about the program.
After the presentations, guests will have a chance to ask questions of the experts as well as of a cancer survivor.
Rodriguez said MD Anderson Cooper is interested in continuing to dialogue with the LGBT community to ensure their health needs are being met.
“We may do focus groups or meet with some of the women who come to the conference to say, ‘Hey, what is the need that you see is prevalent in the community, and how can we help meet this need?’”
Registration is required for the event. Register by calling 800-826-6737 or visiting www.events.cooperhealth.org.
The event features a free buffet lunch. Parking is also complimentary.