Survivorship care needs among LGBT cancer survivors

J Psychosoc Oncol. 2018 Jul-Aug;36(4):393-405. doi: 10.1080/07347332.2018.1447528. Epub 2018 May 23.

Abstract

Objective: To better understand survivorship care needs among LGBT cancer survivors.

Design: We administered an anonymous online survey.

Sample: LGBT cancer survivors living in the United States.

Methods: Participants were recruited via the National LGBT Cancer Project. The survey measured sociodemographic characteristics, social support, posttraumatic stress, and survivorship care needs.

Results: Approximately 72% of our 114 participants were cisgender male and 87% were white. Almost all participants reported at least some unmet survivorship care needs (73%), with over half of participants reporting unmet psychological and sexuality care needs. Participants who reported their oncologist was not LGBT-competent had greater unmet needs (t(82) = 2.5, p = 0.01) and greater posttraumatic stress (t(91) = 2.1, p = 0.035).

Conclusions: LGBT cancer survivors have significant unmet survivorship care needs, and lack of oncologist LGBT-competence is associated with unmet needs. Implications for Psychosocial Providers: Our results suggest the need for LGBT competency training for providers.

Keywords: LGBT; cancer survivor; survivorship; survivorship care needs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cancer Survivors / psychology*
  • Cancer Survivors / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment*
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities / psychology*
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States