Cancer Care for the LGBTQ+ Community

14 June 2023 — david-allen

June is when we celebrate Pride Month; a time dedicated to raising awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community, we’ve taken a look at some of the support services out there for those in the community that are living with cancer.

Research tells us that cancer in the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer+ community comes with a fear of lack of understanding. Cancer is a intricate topic at the best of times, but when combined with the complexities that every person is different, there is definitely a sense that one size does not fit all.

There has been a great understanding in recent years to consider how cancer affects both mental and sexual health and an in importance to remind everyone that they are not alone in their cancer journey.

We’ve taken a look at a few of the amazing support services out there helping those in the LGBTQ+ community who are living with cancer.

Live Through This

The cancer support and advocacy charity has a simple aim: to provide a safe space for anybody who identifies as part of the queer spectrum and has had an experience with any kind of cancer at any stage from testing, diagnosis, treatment, remission to long term care. They have an incredible selection of free online resources as well as an online support group in collaboration with Maggie’s Centres.

Pink Therapy

A fantastic online resource, Pink Therapy is online directory of therapists who specialise in helping people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. The platform allows you to find both local and online support from a network of people that are able to offer specialist support to those that need it most on a range of issues.

Metro Walnut

This charity provides a safe and confidential environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community living with prostate cancer. It holds an online group where people can ask questions, share experiences and get support from people who are also living with prostate cancer.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust

The team at Jo’s Trust has put together an excellent list of organisations for trans men and non-binary people to find health care across the UK. They highlight their No Barriers service which offers cervical screenings for trans men and non binary patients with a cervix which is in partnership with 56 Dean Street. They also have a telephone helpline and an anonymised Ask The Expert service for those seeking help and information.

Out with Prostate Cancer

As support group for gay and bi-sexual men and trans women who are living with prostate cancer to discuss and share their concerns and experiences with other members of the community. At present the group meets virtually via Zoom on the first Saturday of every month. Visit the website to register your interest or for more information.

LGBT Foundation

This charitable foundation has been helping the LBGTQ+ community across a range of health and wellbeing topics since 1975. They have a dedicated cancer hub with help, information and statistics for those living with cancer in the community.

Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community and living with cancer? Do you know of a support service and would like to share it? Contact us and tell us more.