Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (05.07.12) - Monday, May 21, 2012

Most states now offer LGBT-friendly screening facilities for those with or at-risk for cancer, according to a new directory made available by the National LGBT Cancer Network.

Liz Margolies, the network's executive director, said facilities were included if they have "proven cultural competence in respecting the bodies, histories, and families of LGBT patients." The hope is to expand the list so that every lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person in the United States is within driving distance of a safe and affordable screening site, she said.

"These facilities stand out from other medical facilities that conduct cancer screenings, at which LGBT patients often face a combination of ignorance and discrimination in accessing health care," said Margolies, noting one in five transgender persons has been turned away by a health care provider.

The resource includes a number of facilities that do not require health insurance, Margolies added. This is important because a number of people in the LGBT community are uninsured.

"As a population, LGBT people are at increased risk of cancer, not due to any physiological differences, but behaviors, many of which result from the stress of living as sexual and gender minorities in this country," Margolies said.

To access the listing, visit http://cancer- network.org/screenings/facilities.