Barriers to Cancer Care in the LGBTQ+ Community

J Surg Oncol. 2024 Dec;130(7):1490-1495. doi: 10.1002/jso.27980. Epub 2024 Nov 11.

Abstract

Individuals that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) make up a medically underserved population, that experience disparities in cancer care. Specific cancer incidence and mortality in this population is understudied, as national cancer registries and cancer surveys have limited data about sexual orientation or gender identity. The LGBTQIA community face disparate cancer outcomes in prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment due to barriers that limit access to cancer care. To better understand these concerns, we will take a deep dive into the three primary barriers that prevent access to cancer care: personal, provider and systems barriers.

Keywords: LGBTQIA; cancer barriers; cancer disparities; gender affirming hormone therapy; minority stress.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Healthcare Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities* / statistics & numerical data