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Cancer and the LGBTQ Community

Read Time: 2 minutes

Blurry image of male couple holding their hands up to form a heart

Cancer affects all population groups in the United States, but due to social, environmental, and economic disadvantages, certain groups bear an unequal burden of cancer compared with other groups. A 2022 showed that 7.2% of Americans identify as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender). Members of the LGBTQ community face health disparities every day, such as these:

  • Low rates of health care insurance
  • Bad experiences with health care providers
  • Fear of discrimination

7.2% of Americans identify as LGBT

Gay men, especially those who are HIV positive, might have a greater risk of anal cancer compared to heterosexual men. Lesbian and bisexual women may be at increased risk for breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer compared to heterosexual women. 

LGBTQ people are also less likely to go in for cancer screenings, putting them at greater risk for having a cancer identified in later stages. They are also less likely to share important information with their health care providers about their sexual orientation. This can lead to poorer outcomes.

The National LGBT Cancer Network released a groundbreaking report in June 2021. surveyed 2,728 LGBTQ cancer survivors and shares their individual stories of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to providing quality care to LGBTQ people. We have dedicated professionals working with the community to educate about the importance of cancer prevention and screening. Many Huntsman Cancer Institute staff have participated in training sessions on the needs of the LGBTQ community and work is continuing to get even more professionals trained. 

Staff from the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement work with community organizations and partners to eliminate barriers and increase access to cancer prevention interventions, cancer screenings, and treatment. Our team of health educators in the G. Mitchell Morris Cancer Learning Center (CLC) have all received LGBTQ training and they are eager to help you find the resources you need. They have compiled a list of local and national resources for LGBTQ people.

Selected Resources

Here are a few of the materials available in the CLC:

  • (DVD)

Partner Organizations

These organizations partner with Huntsman Cancer Institute and offer resources for Utah residents who identify as LGBTQ.

Cancer touches all of us.