LGBTQIA+ and Cancer
People in the LGBTQIA+ community face health disparities related to cancer screening, prevention and treatment. We’ve compiled expert-reviewed resources to help you take steps to protect your health.
Get Support
Connect virtually with members of the LGBQIIA+ community who are navigating hereditary cancer-related decisions. Meet in a confidential, supportive, judgement-free space.
Our support meetings are lead by trained volunteers who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. At each meeting, a dedicated breakout will be available for transgender, non-binary, gender-nonconforming (TNBGNC) and questioning participants to address issues specific to gender as they relate to hereditary cancer. These breakouts are facilitated by TNBGNC peer leader.
Find additional support at the Cancer Network.
Hereditary Cancer Research
The Elsie Study: Survey Investigating Disparities in LGBTQ+ People with Cancer
Online survey recruiting participants who reside in the United States, have been diagnosed with cancer, and are 18 years or older.
Hiding in Plain Sight: LGBTQ People and Clinical Trials
by Scout, MA, PhD I’m writing this on the eve of the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, the time when LGBTQ persons (mostly LGBTQ gender, nonconforming persons of color) stood up and fought back against systemic discrimination from the police. This...
Study: Why Gender Matters in Breast Cancer Care.
Read the results of a survey of healthcare providers, policy, and advocacy organizations conducted by FORCE and Living Beyond Breast Cancer in partnership with the National LGBT+ Cancer Network identified improving gender and sexual orientation inclusivity as a priority in providing competent care.
Go Behind the Headlines
Force's XRAY program shares easy-to-understand information on the latest cancer research.
Article : Breast cancer risk for transgender women with inherited mutations
There has been little research on breast cancer risk for transgender women who are at high risk for breast cancer due to an inherited mutation. This review summarizes what we know. (Posted 11/29/23) Este artículo...
Topic : Sexual health concerns of gay and bisexual men with prostate cancer
Prostate cancer therapy can affect gay and bisexual men differently than heterosexual men. Many urologists do not routinely address these unique concerns. Selecting providers who understand the concerns that are unique to gay and bisexual...
Study : Breast cancer disparities among the LGBTQ+ community
This study looked at differences in breast cancer treatment outcomes among people from the LGBTQ+ community. (Posted 6/28/23) Este artículo está disponible en español.
Article : Breast cancer risk for transgender men with inherited mutations
There is little information related to the risks and treatment options for transgender men and nonbinary people who are at high-risk for breast cancer due to an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. We review an...
Guidelines for Transgender Individuals
Transgender, nonbinary and other gender-diverse individuals with inherited mutations may have different risks and risk-management considerations than cisgender people with the same mutation or transgender people without a mutation. Although there has been little research on hereditary cancer in transgender people, experts have begun to develop guidelines for transgender people with inherited cancer risk based on what is known.
Stories from Our Community
Volunteer Spotlight - Daria Walcott
January 12, 2026
Volunteer Spotlight – Will and Maddie
January 03, 2022
Share Your Story
Are you part of the LGBTIQA+ community and living with a hereditary cancer risk or diagnosis? Your story matters. Sharing your personal experience—your challenges, questions, insights, and perspective—can help others feel seen, understood, and less alone. By speaking up, you may offer comfort, connection, and hope to someone who is still trying to find their way.
If you'd like to share your story, please email us at [email protected] for more information.
Additional Resources
