The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has adopted the term “sexual and gender minorities” (SGM) to be inclusive of the diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other populations (LGBTQIA+) that do not identify as heterosexual and cisgender. SGM individuals were designated a health disparity population by the National Institutes of Minority Health and Health Disparities in 2016. The terms used to describe this population (e.g. LGBTQ+, LGBTQI+, LGBTQIA2S+) may vary depending on the resources being referenced. The plus or “+” makes space for expansive experiences of sexual orientation and gender not captured in the terms included in each acronym.*
7.2% of the U.S. population self-identifies as a sexual or gender minority status (2023, Gallup). With regard to cancer, SGM people experience unique challenges at each stage of the cancer continuum, may face greater risk of developing cancer, and may be diagnosed with cancer at a younger age and a later stage, than their heterosexual/cisgender counterparts (Kamen et al, 2022, JCO Oncology Practice).
ASCO, our members, allies, and other stakeholders are committed to advancing health equity for LGBTQ people with cancer (Maingi et al, 2022, ASCO Connection). ASCO’s work in this area has been guided by the recommendations published in the ASCO Position Statement: Strategies for Reducing Cancer Health Disparities Among Sexual and Gender Minority Populations (Griggs et al, 2017, JCO). ASCO has also compiled resources for clinicians and researchers to help increase awareness of the unique challenges confronted by SGM populations in the context of cancer (ASCO Education Cultural Literacy Collection).
*We acknowledge that not everyone will identify with these terms, but our intention is to be inclusive.
Resources
- Educational
- Cancer Care for Sexual Minority Populations-ASCO Education Course
- Cancer Care for Transgender and Gender-diverse Population- ASCO Education Course
- TEAM: Together-Equitable-Accessible-Meaningful | GW Cancer Center (gwu.edu)
- Welcoming Spaces: Treating Your LGBTQ+ Patients | SGO ConnectEd
- The Fenway Institute
- Quality Cancer Care
- Research and Clinical Trials
- SGM Inclusion in Clinical Trials- ASCO CENTRA At-a-Glance (2022)
- The Fenway Institute, Tools To Help Healthcare Organizations Collect Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity Data To Improve Quality Of Care And Reduce LGBT Health Disparities
- NIH Methods and Measurement in Sexual & Gender Minority Health Research, Examples of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Questions
- The Queering Individual Relational and Knowledge Scales (QUIRKS): Validation of Companion Measures Assessing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Affirming Health Care
- Policy & Advocacy
- Professional Organizations
Publications
- ASCO Position Statement: Strategies for Reducing Cancer Health Disparities Among Sexual and Gender Minority Populations (2017, JCO.)
- NASEM Consensus Study Report: Understanding the Well-Being of LGBTQI+ Populations (2020)
- Consensus Study Report Measuring Sex, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation (2022)
- NIH Strategic Plan to Advance Research on the Health and Well-being of Sexual & Gender Minorities FY 2021-2025
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data Collection in Oncology Practice: Findings of an ASCO Survey (2022, JCO Oncology Practice.)
- Standards for Cultural Competency Training for Healthcare Providers to Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Asexual Persons: Consensus Recommendations (2022, LGBT Health.)
- Radiology and Radiation Oncology Considerations for Transgender and Intersex Patients: A Qualitative Study. (2023, Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology.)
Information for Patients and Survivors
- Cancer.Net Resources for LGBTQ+ People with Cancer
- LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory
- ASCO Survivorship Compendium
- LGBTQI+ People and Cancer Guide| Cancer Council NSW
- National LGBT Cancer Network Resources
- Practice Patient-Centered Care Posters (provider tip sheet)
- You are welcome here (poster)
Palliative Care Resources
- National LGBT Cancer Network LGBT Palliative Care (cancer-network.org)
- A Practical Guide to Social Security Survivors Benefits for LGBTQ+ Couples
Learn more about ASCO’s health equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts at www.asco.org/equity
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