According to the National LGBT Cancer Network, it is possible that LGBT are overrepresented among cancer survivors, accounting for more than 10% of the total. The US government listed LGBT people as one of six population groups experiencing health disparities in this country, meaning that the burden of disease is not evenly distributed, but falls most heavily on these groups. In fact, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that LGBT people have a substantially greater risk of developing cancer than the general population.

These increased risks are not a result of difference in physiology or biochemistry, but a product of behaviors, many of which can be traced to stress from living with discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia, such as smoking and drinking.

Unfortunately, the increased risks are coupled with decreased cancer screening rates for LGBT people, resulting in cancers being picked up at a later stage when they are more difficult to treat and the prognosis is worse.

Until health care providers and facilities become knowledgeable, respectful and safe for LGBT people, even free screening services will be continue to be underutilized by this population. The National LGBT Cancer Network offers training and consultation to providers, health care facilities and social service agencies in cultural sensitivity to LGBT people. 

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Last updated on April 10, 2010 by getavision admin