Experiences and unmet needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual people with cancer care: a systematic review

This qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis explored the cancer care experiences and unmet needs of people who identify as a sexual or gender minority. Fifteen studies were identified that included lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people living with or beyond cancer. No studies investigating gender minorities were found. The majority of participants were sexual minority women with breast cancer or sexual minority men with prostate cancer. Six overarching themes were identified: sexual orientation disclosure, experiences and fear of homophobia, positive and negative HCP behaviors, hetero-centric systems and care, inadequacy of available support groups and unmet needs for patient-centered care and LGB specific information. LGB people commonly reported feelings of anxiety, invisibility, isolation and frustration through the cancer care continuum. Training and education of primary care practitioners could be provided to reduce these practice gaps. Furthermore, culturally appropriate care which includes the provision of tailored information, access to LGB specific support groups and avoiding heterosexual assumptions needs to be implemented across the cancer continuum. Read the full article