Sexual orientation and intentions to obtain breast cancer screening

Abstract

Aims: This longitudinal study examined predictors of intentions to obtain breast cancer screening in two samples, one comprising self-identified lesbian/bisexual women (n = 150) and the other comprising heterosexual women (n = 400). We hypothesized that beliefs about mammography, cancer vulnerability, and attitudes toward the medical provider would mediate the relationship between sexual orientation and plans to obtain breast cancer screening.

Methods: Women in this study participated in one of two larger clinical trials of breast cancer risk counseling methods. All participants completed questionnaires about breast cancer screening attitudes at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up.

Results: Logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, education, and race, revealed that baseline negative beliefs about mammography, lower levels of provider trust, and less perceived risk of breast cancer significantly mediated the relationship between sexual orientation and 6-month intentions to obtain a clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that attitudes and beliefs about breast cancer, breast cancer screening, and medical providers impact lesbian/bisexual women's willingness to plan for CBE and mammography.