Results from the largest data set of LGBTQI+ people with cancer internationally will be presented today at the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia’s Annual Scientific Meeting.
Professor Jane Ussher, Chief Investigator of the Out with Cancer Study and Professor of Women’s Health Psychology at Western Sydney University says LGBTQI people have higher rates of cancer, report greater cancer related distress and lower satisfaction with care.
Her presentation today will discuss the results of the Out with Cancer Study, which examined the perspectives of 430 LGBTQI patients, representing a range of tumour types, sexual and gender identities, and age groups, 131 LGBTQI carers, and 357 oncology health professionals.
“We found rates of distress were 3-6 times higher than the general cancer population,” she said. “41% of LGBTQI patients reported high or very high distress, compared to 7-12% of cisgender heterosexual cancer patients in previous research.”
The study found that distress was higher in adolescent and young adults, trans and non-binary people, those with intersex variations, and people living in rural and regional areas.
Of the 357 health professionals surveyed, the majority reported openness and willingness to provide culturally safe LGBTQI cancer care and a desire for education.
While 90% of the health professionals indicated they were comfortable treating this patient group, only 52% indicated they were “confident”.
“Health professionals showed the lowest levels of confidence treating trans and non-binary patients and intersex patients, compared to same gender attracted LGBQ patients,” says Professor Ussher.
As well as the results of the Out with Cancer Study, Professor Ussher will present compelling testimonials and insights from the LGTQI patient and health professional participants, as well as opportunities for LGBTQI inclusive cancer care.
“Inclusive cancer care looks like clinicians coming to work with an open mind, and not assuming all patients are heterosexual and cisgender; asking and using patients’ preferred pronouns; including their chosen support people and challenging derogatory constructions of LGBTQI people in others.”
“You also can’t underestimate the power of displaying your organisation or practice’s support of diversity with posters, flags and availability of specific LGBTQI resources,” says Professor Ussher.
Source: COSA
Presentation: Out with cancer: LGBTQI+ cancer survivorship and care
Session: Unpacking equities in cancer care
Presenter: Professor Jane Ussher
When: 9:00am-10:30am, Wednesday 2 November 2022
Where: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
