The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association was founded to combat homophobia in medicine and promote quality health care for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.They recognize that lesbians are at risk for certain diseases and medical conditions.Here are the top things the GLMA suggests lesbians speak to their health care providers about.

1. Breast Cancer

As a whole, lesbians have many health factors that put them at risk of breast cancer.Lesbians as a group smoke and drink more than the general population, are more often obese and many have not had children.These factors are all considered risk factors for breast cancer.Couple that with the fact that many lesbians do not get routine mammograms or do self-breast exams.Breast cancer is most curable when detected early.More »

2. Depression/Anxiety

Especially if you are not out about your sexual orientation, the stress from keeping a part of yourself hidden can lead to depression and anxiety.Stress also comes from a homophobic society and the fear of losing children and jobs if discovered.Combine this with the fact that families may not offer emotional support due to alienation because of sexual orientation.

3. Gynecological Cancer

Lesbians are at higher risk for gynecological cancers.Yearly gynecological exams may help with early detection.Cancers caught early are more curable.

4. Fitness

Research confirms that lesbians are more likely to be obese than women in general.Obesity is associated with higher rates of cancers and heart disease.Lesbians need good information and support about nutrition, fitness, healthy eating habits and good exercise.

5. Substance Use/Abuse

Research shows that lesbians use illicit drugs more than heterosexual women.The added stressors of their lives may contribute to more drug use, but lesbians need to find alternative ways to deal with the stress.

6. Smoking/Tobacco Use

The gay and lesbian community smokes more than the straight community and is the target of advertising by the tobacco industry.Tobacco addiction is widespread among lesbians and can lead to other health issues such as cancer, heart disease, and emphysema.These are the three major causes of death among all women.

7. Alcohol Use/Abuse

Lesbians may be at a higher risk for abusing alcohol.Many use drinking to ease social anxiety and to fit in.While one drink daily may be good for your health, more than that can put you at risk for disease.

8. Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can occur in any relationship, regardless of sexual orientation.Thirty percent of LGBT couples experience domestic violence.Where can lesbians turn for help?More and more physicians are trained to recognize signs of domestic violence and offer support, including for gay and lesbian couples.More »

9. Osteoporosis

Women are at risk of osteoporosis, but the rates and risks among lesbians have not been well characterized yet.Avoiding tobacco and alcohol are good preventative measures.Eating a diet rich in calcium and exercising regularly with weight-bearing exercises may help prevent osteoporosis.

10. Heart Health/Heart Disease

All lesbians should have an annual physical to check blood pressure, cholesterol levels and to screen for diabetes.Smoking and obesity are the most prevalent factors for heart disease, but all women are at risk.