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A lesbian couple who have survived breast cancer are happy New Zealand has become more open and tolerant, but members of the rainbow community still face a higher risk.
The Mamazon Club was founded 15 years ago by lesbian breast cancer survivors, who did not always feel supported or understood by the medical staff involved in their treatment and recovery.
Sam McLean was diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago and underwent a mastectomy. She founded the informal support group a few years later.
“The Aotearoa Coalition Against Breast Cancer was being formed at that time and we decided that there would be more power in lobbying if we were part of a larger group.”
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Breast Cancer Foundation director of research and advocacy Adele Gautier said there was evidence that lesbians were more likely to develop breast cancer than heterosexual women.
JASON DORDAY / Things
Sam McLean and his partner have survived breast cancer and McLean is one of the founding members of the Mamazon Club.
“We suspect it is because they would generally not be as likely to go through pregnancy or delivery, so they would not get those estrogen breaks that are associated with reduced risk. The same actually applies to nuns.
“That could change in the future, because there are more conception options available to couples these days.”
Gautier said that for transgender people, the risks are currently not well understood.
Studies suggest that people transitioning from male to female may face a higher risk in the early years of taking estrogen.
“As soon as breast tissue develops, the chances of contracting it increase.”
JASON DORDAY / Things
Sam McLean at the Helensville home he shares with his partner, Chris Christensen.
Her advice to women in transition was to be as breast conscious as cisgender women.
“Make sure you know the signs, including breast dents, skin changes, and discharge.
“If you are over 45, make sure you get your free mammograms too.”
McLean said that with his own cancer 20 years ago, the environment was quite challenging.
“It was a different world, it was not as friendly as for queers.
“Fortunately I had great doctors. My GP was gay too, so he really got it. My surgeon was also very inclusive … “
JASON DORDAY / Things
Sam McLean and Chris Christensen have survived breast cancer.
Three years ago, Chris Christensen, McLean’s longtime partner, was also diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I was diagnosed shortly after we met,” McLean said.
“She was amazing, she could have run for the hills, but she didn’t.”
JASON DORDAY / Things
Sam McLean says Chris Christensen stayed by her side during her breast cancer journey, even though he was diagnosed shortly after they met.
The Mamazon Club hasn’t met in person for years, but McLean said he still received a few calls and emails, including three from lesbians diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
“I point people in the right direction, who can get the support they need.
“The club was a product of its time. Since then the rainbow community has emerged and now the people have their own support networks. A specific group like this is not so necessary. It really is a good thing. “
Gautier said the foundation hadn’t had a member of the rainbow community with concerns about the healthcare system in quite some time.
“But we know that in the transgender community there is a real learning curve underway, so we encourage people to get in touch if they encounter barriers to receiving care.”
The Breast Cancer Foundation’s annual pink ribbon street appeal began on Friday.
