Investigating the Needs and Concerns of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning Cancer Patients

Abstract

The needs and concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+) patients with cancer remain poorly understood. This is important as LGBTQ+ patients have an elevated risk of developing certain cancers and have poorer oncologic outcomes compared to non-LGBTQ+ patients. The lack of research may be linked to the complexity of studying the needs and concerns of this patient population. This review aimed to describe the evidence that sought to identify the needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ cancer patients. Studies were extracted using keywords such as "LGBTQ" and "Oncology." Patient participants were excluded if they did not identify as LGBTQ+ and if they did not have cancer or were not cancer survivors. Healthcare professionals were excluded if they were not oncology specific. A total of 22 studies met our inclusion criteria. LGBTQ+ cancer patients expressed concerns surrounding heteronormative assumptions made by healthcare professionals, a lack of LGBTQ±specific cancer support groups, and psychosexual concerns such as erectile dysfunction following cancer treatment. Oncology healthcare professionals lacked the knowledge and education that are required to manage this patient cohort. Further research is required to investigate the needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ cancer patients specifically in the radiation oncology setting.