Current State of Knowledge About Cancer in Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) People

Abstract

Objective: To review the current state of knowledge about cancer in lesbians, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people by focusing on four major issues across the cancer continuum including: 1) lack of data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity; 2) need for a culturally competent workforce; 3) the need for a culturally competent health care system; and 4) creating LGBT tailored patient/client information and education.

Data sources: Published literature.

Conclusion: Oncology nurses and health care providers can work to improve the care of LGBT patients with cancer by following suggestions in this article.

Implications for nursing practice: Oncology nurses and other health care providers have many distinct occasions to improve overall cancer care for LGBT patients.

Keywords: LGBT; SOGI data; access to care; cancer; cultural competence.