LGBTQI+ People and Cancer

This information will help you understand how cancer and its treatment may affect LGBTQI+ people – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other diverse sexualities and genders, as well as people with intersex variations.

LGBTQI+ people and cancer book
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Print these questions

Treatment team

  • Do you have an LGBTQI+ inclusive policy for patients and staff?
  • Have staff had training in meeting the needs of LGBTQI+ people?
  • Do you have experience dealing with LGBTQI+ people with cancer?
  • How will you keep my personal information confidential?
  • Can you amend my records with my gender, pronouns and preferred name?
  • Who can I talk to if I am not satisfied with my care?
  • I’m thinking of getting a second opinion. Can you recommend anyone?

Side effects

  • What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment? How can these be managed?
  • How will the treatment affect how I look and how my body works?
  • Will the treatment affect my sex life? Can I get support from someone who understands LGBTQI+ sex issues?
  • Will the cancer and treatment affect my fertility? What tests can I have to see if my fertility has been affected?

Support

  • How can I connect with other LGBTQI+ people affected by cancer?
  • What financial and practical assistance is available?
  • Where can I get help with advance care planning?

Family and friends

  • Will you include my partner/s and family, chosen and biological, in my care?
  • Can you help me talk to my family about what is happening?
  • Where can my partner/s, children and friends get help and advice?

After treatment

  • Who will I see for follow-up appointments?
  • How often will I need check-ups after treatment?

This information was developed with help from LGBTQI+ organisations, health professionals and LGBTQI+ people affected by cancer. It is based on the Out with Cancer study into diverse sexualities, genders and sex characteristics.

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