Queen Mary University of London

3

OFHS240137

Our first aim is to understand the risk factors for cancer for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and other (LGBTQIA+) people. Our second aim is to find out if LGBTQIA+ adults are getting screened for cancer at the same rate as people who are cisgender or heterosexual. Our third aim is to see whether LGBTQIA+ people are more or less likely to get cancer than cisgender or heterosexual people. The health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and other (LGBTQIA+) people has not been well studied. Cancer is often an overlooked topic for this group. LGBTQIA+ adults may be at increased risk of some cancers due to factors such as obesity, smoking, and alcohol use. Cancer screening is important because cancer may be easier to treat when it is caught earlier. Research has shown that LGBTQIA+ people may have problems accessing screening for breast, cervix, and bowel cancer for many reasons. We do not have good data on whether we see higher rates of cancer in LGBTQIA+ people because of this.

This study will help us learn about which cancers might be more or less common in LGBTQIA+ adults. We also hope to learn how much this is linked to cancer risk factors or access to screening and care. We want the results to inform research, healthcare practice, public health interventions and policies to reduce cancer risk factors and increase cancer screening in this community.

Public Health Research

16/02/2024

05/10/2024

TRE