Charles Kamen1, Mandi L Pratt-Chapman2, Gwendolyn P Quinn3. 1. University of Rochester, Department of Surgery and Wilmot Cancer Institute. 2. The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the GW Cancer Center. 3. New York University, Grossman School of Medicine and Perlmutter Cancer Center.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Until recently, sexual and gender minority (SGM) people have been largely invisible in health care and health services research. However, understanding the needs and experiences of SGM cancer patients is critical to providing high-quality care, including needs and experiences related to sexual health. In this narrative review, we highlight that the literature on sexual health for SGM people with cancer is lacking, summarize existing literature on disparities affecting SGM patients with cancer, and discuss factors associated with these disparities. We conclude with recommendations and suggestions for future research in this area. RECENT FINDINGS: Emerging evidence suggests that SGM people are at a higher risk for breast, cervical, endometrial, HPV-related, and lung cancers, as well as poor cancer outcomes, due to behavioral risk factors and health care system factors (e.g. lower access to health care insurance, discrimination in non-affirming care settings, negative health care interactions with providers). Additional research suggests that lack of clear guidelines for cancer screening in SGM patients, particularly for transgender and gender diverse patients, negatively impacts cancer screening uptake among SGM people. A growing number of studies have suggested greater sexual challenges following cancer treatment for sexual minority men with prostate cancer, while other studies highlight positive outcomes for sexual minority women following cancer treatment, such as benefit finding and resilience. Research on transgender and gender diverse patients is lacking. SUMMARY: Collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data across clinical enterprises and population-based surveys, mandatory health care provider training on cultural and clinical competency with SGM patients, and additional research inclusive of and focused on SGM cancer patients are key strategies to advance evidence-based clinical cancer care for diverse SGM populations.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Until recently, sexual and gender minority (SGM) people have been largely invisible in health care and health services research. However, understanding the needs and experiences of SGM cancer patients is critical to providing high-quality care, including needs and experiences related to sexual health. In this narrative review, we highlight that the literature on sexual health for SGM people with cancer is lacking, summarize existing literature on disparities affecting SGM patients with cancer, and discuss factors associated with these disparities. We conclude with recommendations and suggestions for future research in this area. RECENT FINDINGS: Emerging evidence suggests that SGM people are at a higher risk for breast, cervical, endometrial, HPV-related, and lung cancers, as well as poor cancer outcomes, due to behavioral risk factors and health care system factors (e.g. lower access to health care insurance, discrimination in non-affirming care settings, negative health care interactions with providers). Additional research suggests that lack of clear guidelines for cancer screening in SGM patients, particularly for transgender and gender diverse patients, negatively impacts cancer screening uptake among SGM people. A growing number of studies have suggested greater sexual challenges following cancer treatment for sexual minority men with prostate cancer, while other studies highlight positive outcomes for sexual minority women following cancer treatment, such as benefit finding and resilience. Research on transgender and gender diverse patients is lacking. SUMMARY: Collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data across clinical enterprises and population-based surveys, mandatory health care provider training on cultural and clinical competency with SGM patients, and additional research inclusive of and focused on SGM cancer patients are key strategies to advance evidence-based clinical cancer care for diverse SGM populations.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cancer; Gender Identity; Health Disparities; Sexual Health; Sexual Orientation; Sexual and Gender Minorities
Authors: Peter F Coccia; Alberto S Pappo; Lynda Beaupin; Virginia F Borges; Scott C Borinstein; Rashmi Chugh; Shira Dinner; Jeanelle Folbrecht; A Lindsay Frazier; Robert Goldsby; Alexandra Gubin; Robert Hayashi; Mary S Huang; Michael P Link; John A Livingston; Yousif Matloub; Frederick Millard; Kevin C Oeffinger; Diane Puccetti; Damon Reed; Steven Robinson; Abby R Rosenberg; Tara Sanft; Holly L Spraker-Perlman; Margaret von Mehren; Daniel S Wechsler; Kimberly F Whelan; Nicholas Yeager; Lisa A Gurski; Dorothy A Shead Journal: J Natl Compr Canc Netw Date: 2018-01 Impact factor: 11.908
Authors: Charles S Kamen; Alison Alpert; Liz Margolies; Jennifer J Griggs; Lynae Darbes; Marilyn Smith-Stoner; Megan Lytle; Tonia Poteat; Nfn Scout; Sally A Norton Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2018-11-08 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: N J Hulbert-Williams; C O Plumpton; P Flowers; R McHugh; R D Neal; J Semlyen; L Storey Journal: Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) Date: 2017-02-27 Impact factor: 2.520
Authors: Tae L Hart; David W Coon; Marc A Kowalkowski; Karen Zhang; Justin I Hersom; Heather H Goltz; Daniela A Wittmann; David M Latini Journal: J Sex Med Date: 2014-05-30 Impact factor: 3.802
Authors: B R Simon Rosser; Shanda L Hunt; Benjamin D Capistrant; Nidhi Kohli; Badrinath R Konety; Darryl Mitteldorf; Michael W Ross; Kristine M Talley; William West Journal: Curr Sex Health Rep Date: 2019-11-08