Authors: Bláz Bush, Paula Chambers Raney, Shail Maingi, Mandi L. Pratt-Chapman, Scout, Clifford Goodman
Published: 2023-06-02
Source: Full article
Patients with cancer in the LGBTQ+ community experience worse health outcomes when compared with their non-LGBTQ+ peers because of a variety of factors, including stigma, underrepresentation in research, lack of support, and implicit bias on the part of clinicians. For generations, many LGBTQ+ people have feared disclosing their identity to providers, leading to gaps in care and even higher mortality. As more people are identifying as members of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s crucial for providers to recognize them appropriately in healthcare, take steps such as acknowledging chosen names and pronouns, and provide care free from judgment. In today’s political climate, members of this community are facing increasing scrutiny, challenges, and barriers to accessing safe and affirming care. Providers can do their part to improve health outcomes among LGBTQ+ people by making their practices known as safe and affirming spaces, working to increase inclusivity in oncology care and improving data collection.