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.
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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.
Need to talk?
Call 13 11 20 to talk to a health professional Or email us your questions.