Women’s cancer forum this Saturday

ACON’s Lesbian & Same-Sex Attracted Women’s Health Project and the Cancer Council of NSW are partnering to present a free Understanding Cancer Forum on Saturday at the Petersham RSL.

The Understanding Cancer Forum is designed to provide practical information for same-sex attracted women affected by cancer and their carers, family and friends. The forum, hosted by Julie McCrossin, will also provide a place for open discussion of issues relating to cancer and its treatment.

The event is open to all, and topics will include cancer prevention, treatment options and side effects, communication, nutrition, exercise and complementary therapies, care for carers, support and screening services, palliative care, and issues around sexuality, self esteem and body image.

Past research has shown that same-sex attracted women are less likely to seek routine health care because of discomfort around coming out to health care professionals.

This means that lesbian and bisexual women have traditionally been less likely to seek pap smears, mammograms or professional breast examinations.

Studies have also shown that lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to perform breast self-examinations regularly, and for these reasons, lesbians and bisexual women may be less likely to have cancers detected at earlier, more treatable stages.

info: Understanding Cancer Forum is on November 27, 10am–4.30pm, at Petersham R.S.L Club (7 Regent Street, Petersham). RSVP 02 9206 2007, visit acon.org.au or email [email protected]