
What’s the eligibility for a screening mammogram? We have filled our registrations for July 8, however, please complete the form below and we’ll help you receive a free mammogram on a different day.
- Identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community
- Be 40 years of age or older
- No current symptoms or personal history of breast cancer
- No previous mammograms within the last year
If you don’t meet these guidelines, contact us for support.
If you do meet these guidelines, please complete the form below.
More information for the LGTBQ+ community on breast health
Albie Aware’s Executive Director, Courtney Quinn, is part of the LGBTQ+ community and a breast cancer survivor. She’s shared her personal experience and professional learnings with the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Sacramento LGBT Center.
Why is the LGBTQ+ community at a higher risk of breast cancer?
The LGBTQ+ community faces disparities in the quality and accessibility of health care, including breast cancer screenings and treatment. To combat these disparities, Albie Aware is hosting a free mammogram day on July 8, 2023, for LGBTQ+ individuals in the greater Sacramento area which will increase access to breast cancer early detection screenings in this community.
This service is crucial as LGBTQ+ individuals have higher risk factors for breast cancer. According to the Institute of Medicine, lesbian and bisexual women have a higher prevalence of alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and are less likely to have given birth.[1] These factors contribute to lesbian and bisexual women having a greater likelihood of developing breast cancer than heterosexual women.[2]
Despite having higher risk factors for breast cancer, LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely miss their annual breast cancer screenings due to barriers in accessing health care. One study found that nearly 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ individuals have avoided health care services due to concerns about being discriminated against.[3] In fact, many LGBTQ+ individuals avoid health care services after having negative experiences with medical providers in the past. While the majority of health care professionals may not actively discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, a lack of culturally competent care among providers can make it difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals to find supportive care or be referred for necessary breast cancer screenings.[4] Additionally, LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to have health insurance, partly due to a higher likelihood of unemployment or working for employers who do not offer health insurance or do not offer coverage for unmarried domestic partners. [5]
These barriers make it significantly harder for LGBTQ+ individuals to receive annual breast cancer screenings which play a pivotal role in detecting breast cancer early in its localized stages. When an individual delays or misses their annual mammogram, breast cancer may be diagnosed at a later stage with less chance for effective treatment.
Albie Aware’s program helps break down these barriers and improve health outcomes for Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community. In partnership with Sutter Health and the Prevent Cancer Foundation, Albie Aware has created an opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals to receive essential breast cancer screenings at no-cost and in a safe and inclusive environment.
Citations: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
If you have questions or want information related to breast health, please contact us at info @ albieaware.org or call 916-927-1592.
How Albie Aware is taking action:
From August 2022-July 2023, Albie Aware is launching a pilot program for breast cancer screenings & awareness for LGBTQ+ community in the greater Sacramento area.
Program Goals
- To increase breast cancer screenings among LGBTQ+ people in the greater Sacramento area.
- To increase breast cancer awareness in the LGBTQ+ community.
- To deliver LGBTQ+ affirming care and communications in awareness campaigns, virtual and in-person events.
- To increase breast cancer awareness information shared on social media.
- To increase awareness and engagement with healthcare providers who provide breast cancer screenings and treatments with the LGBTQ+ community.
If you would like to support this program or you would like more information, please contact us at info (@) albieaware.org or call 916-927-1592.