The main reason gays and lesbians are at increased risk for colon cancer in the U.S. is because they aren't afforded equal rights. This increases healthcare barriers for gay people, decreasing access to preventive care and increasing the risk for a number of conditions, including colon cancer.
Employers of Gay People
Since many employers (including the largest employer in America -- the federal government) do not allow a same-sex partner coverage on an employee's policy, gay people are often at a disadvantage in affording medical care. If one partner works while the other stays at home to raise children, the stay-at-home parent will either need to remain uninsured or pay out-of-pocket to self-insure.
Gay People in Binational Relationships
Members of binational couples are particularly affected when the non-citizen is unable to stay in the U.S. In this case, the citizen cannot even pay extra to insure his or her partner because the non-citizen is ineligible for U.S. coverage.
What Can You Do?
If you'd like to learn more about healthcare barriers gay people encounter, please visit the National Coalition for LGBT Health's web site. One of the coalition's main goals is to raise public awareness of the unique health concerns and disparities among LGBT communities.
Related Articles:- Health: The Price to Pay for Being Gay?
- Colon Cancer Screening for the Uninsured
- Women: How to Get Your Female Partner to Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer
- Men: How to Get Your Male Partner to Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer
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