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Specifics of cancer care for LGBTQI+ patients

Publication at First Faculty of Medicine |
2022

Abstract

Background: In Europe, approximately 6% of people identify as LGBTQI+ and approximately 1% as transgender. This community remains less visible to the healthcare system, as sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data is not structurally collected and patients are often reluctant to disclose SOGI to healthcare professionals due to fear of discrimination.

Therefore, many of the specific needs of these patients remain unmet. Specific risks, including cancer risk factors, can be identified in LGBTQI+ subgroups.

Purpose: The aim of this contribution is to summarise the specifics of cancer care for LGBTQI+ patients. This includes risk factors for cancer development or the issue of obtaining information about SOGI in order to provide more targeted medical care.

An important topic is cancer screening for subgroups of LGBTQI+ patients and issues related to the impact of cancer treatment on fertility and quality of life, particularly in psychosexual function. Finally, recommendations for good practice in cancer care for LGBTQI+ patients are presented.