Lesbians have historically been the targets of prejudice and discrimination, both publicly and privately. Lesbians may have trouble finding a doctor who understands our special concerns, or who isn't operating out of a veiled homophobia. Also, because most lesbian couples aren't provided with spousal benefits, some lesbians may go without health insurance. Additionally, managed care systems often limit lesbians' access to lesbian-friendly providers. All of these factors can make it more difficult for lesbians to receive preventative health care.
Lesbians require all routine female health-care maintenance.
Well-established methods of screening for cancers such as breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers have greatly decreased the death rate from these diseases. Lesbians, however, must be aware of the recommended health screening guidelines and have access to culturally competent providers for their health-care needs. According to recent statistics, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The most important feature in determining a woman's likelihood of survival is the size of the cancer at the time of its discovery. This emphasizes the need for early detection.