Cancer and the LGBTQ+ Community

Cancer affects everyone, but it does not affect everyone equally.

The LGBTQ+ community faces unique barriers when accessing health care, and LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to seek health care due to a long history of discrimination and mistrust in the health care system. Both preventive and essential care are impacted, which can result in disparities in cancer risk and treatment.

Check out the National LGBT Cancer Network’s LGBTQ terminology factsheet and intersex resources for an information glossary and additional resources.

General health

• American Cancer Society
  • Cancer risk and prevention for gay and bisexual men
  • Cancer risk and prevention for lesbian and bisexual women
• CenterLinkFind a LGBTQ+ community center near you
• GW Cancer Center – The George Washington University“I Want You to Know” printable card (Designed to help you begin a conversation with your provider about your identity and care preferences.)
• Human Rights CampaignLearn more about your health care rights, including hospital visitation and patient non-discrimination
• LGBTQ+ Health Care DirectoryFind LGBTQ+-friendly health care near you (LGBTQ+-affirming therapy, family medicine, gender affirming care, trans & nonbinary health, PrEP, obstetrics and gynecology)
• Movement Advancement ProjectMedicaid coverage information for transgender-related health care
• National Center for Transgender EqualityMedicare coverage information for transgender-related health care
• National LGBT Cancer NetworkCancer survivor peer-support group sign up
• National Resource Center On LGBTQ+ AgingResources for lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults, their families and caregivers

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Indian Health ServiceHealth resources for LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit people

At the 2022 Advocacy Workshop, the Prevent Cancer Foundation brought together patient advocacy organizations and LGBTQ+ community and health experts to discuss what needs to change. Watch the discussion: