Intersectionality and the LGBT Cancer Patient

Abstract

Objectives: To present the ways in which race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexual orientation interact in the context of cancer risk, access to care, and treatment by health care providers. Cancer risk factors, access to care, and treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients are discussed within the context of intersectionality and cultural humility.

Data sources: Peer reviewed articles, cancer organizations, and clinical practice.

Conclusion: LGBT patients have multiple identities that intersect to create unique experiences. These experiences shape their interactions with the health care system with the potential for positive or negative consequences. More data is needed to describe the outcomes of those experiences and inform clinical practice.

Implications for nursing practice: Oncology nurses have an obligation to acknowledge patients' multiple identities and use the practice of cultural humility to provide individualized, patient-centered care.

Keywords: LGBT; cancer; cultural humility; gender minority; intersectionality; sexual minority.