Care Considerations for the LGBTQ+ Patient With Cancer

The LGBTQ+ community is considered a sexual and gender minority and is a medically underserved patient population because of healthcare disparities and specific health risks. Oncology clinical teams can provide skilled, respectful care to LGBTQ+ communities through the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity information, provision of a welcoming care environment, and appropriate use of inclusive language. Healthcare providers can play a role in prevention and detection of cancer and quality of life post-treatment through the understanding of the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ patient population as they navigate the healthcare system.

AT A GLANCE

• A welcoming environment using visual cues may provide comfort to LGBTQ+ patients that the department is understanding and affirming.
• Use and collection of sexual orientation and gender identity information leads to individualized, culturally sensitive, patient-centered care.
• Inclusive language can be helpful in understanding familial relationships and differing support systems and communicating this understanding back to LGBTQ+ patients.