Lesbians may engage in behavior that places their health at risk and m
ay delay health care and screening more than do their heterosexual cou
nterparts. This article examines influences on lesbians' health risk f
actors and health-seeking behaviors. A statewide, self-administered su
rvey of members of a lesbian community organization was performed. Uni
variate and bivariate analyses were calculated, and linear regression
was used to examine models of health risks and health-seeking behavior
. Of 324 respondents, 90% had disclosed sexual orientation to at least
one provider, 22% reported seeking care without symptoms (preventive
care), and 23% reported waiting until symptoms are at their worst or n
ever seeking care. Young age, belief in the importance of lung cancer,
difficulty of getting health care when needed, reliance on the partne
r for health support, and fewer male partners were all associated with
greater health risk for lesbians. Difficulty obtaining health care, d
ifficulty communicating with the primary care provider, discomfort in
discussing depression, and degree of comfort in discussing menopause w
ere all associated with a delay in seeking health care. Sensitive comm
unication with lesbians and further identification of lesbians' specif
ic barriers to care may improve health-seeking behavior and provide mo
re opportunities for screening and risk factor counseling in this popu
lation.