LGBT Wellness Roundup: March 20

Here's Why Gay And Bi Men Might Be Twice As Likely To Get Skin Cancer

Each week HuffPost Gay Voices, in a partnership with blogger Scout, LGBT HealthLink and researcher Susana Fajardo, brings you a round up of some of the biggest LGBT wellness stories from the past seven days. For more LGBT Wellness visit our page dedicated to the topic here.

1
Gay And Bi Men Twice As Likely To Get Skin Cancer
Ibrakovic via Getty Images
Last Fall we reported that gay and bi men were 3.9 times as likely to indoor tan. Now researchers have taken it further and found sexual minority men have twice the rate of skin cancer than other men. Have we mentioned yet that it’s a good idea to get regular cancer screenings?
2
80% of Med Students Show Anti-Lesbian/Gay Bias
Michael H via Getty Images
In a new study of first year medical students, over 80% displayed at least implicit bias against LG people. This is probably one reason why LG med students have at least 50% higher risk of depression, anxiety and lower health than others. Just in case you thought times were a changing in the health world, think again.
3
Chest Surgery Does Not Reduce Your Risk For Breast Cancer
Martin Barraud via Getty Images
A new study of trans vets found that individuals using hormone therapy are not at higher risk of breast cancer. While this may sound great, remember many trans men feel they have no risk after chest reconstruction and trans women may not think they have risk either. So news here is: keep up your cancer screenings for both your birth and your true no matter what.
4
Trans Women Smoke More Than Anyone Ever
Adam Gault via Getty Images
New research found that 83% of trans women have smoked a cigarette in the last month. We track smoking rates and this is the highest we’ve seen for any population ever. Researchers found that discrimination and resultant stress were major causes of both smoking and failing to quit. I guess we shouldn’t be too surprised since the stigma this population experiences is also through the roof.
5
Bill Requires Fertility Benefits For Lesbian Couples
Robert Daly via Getty Images
A new bill proposed in Maryland would require a common benefit for straight couples now be extended to lesbians too. What’s the benefit? Fertility care. Without insurance coverage these treatments can run in the thousands of dollars. Senator Cheryl Kagan, who sponsored the bill, said, “It’s about equality. It’s about updating our laws.”
6
New Bi Mental Health Resource
Morgan David de lossy via Getty Images
One of our fave groups, the Bisexual Resource Center, just released a new brochure on Mental Health in the Bi Community as part of #BHAM or Bisexual Health Awareness Month. Research shows getting community support is a great way to combat mental health problems -- so why not follow them on Facebook today?
7
University Collects LGBT Health Data, Host Of Benefits Ensues
Joseph DeSantis via Getty Images
UC Davis Health System decided they wanted to collect LGBT data in their Electronic Health Records. While it took extra education and meetings with leadership, a host of ancillary benefits followed, including: a safety net of openly LGBT doctors; an employee LGBT group; a supportive listserv; LGBT health curriculum and wait for it… a peer navigator program for LGBT patients with cancer. Can we please replicate this model everywhere now?

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