Social Determinants of LGBT Cancer Health Inequities

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the extant literature on social determinants of health as they relate to the cancer disparities and to highlight the research findings relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations.

Data sources: Published scientific literature and clinical literature, and published reports from the World Health Organization and US Department of Health and Human Services.

Conclusion: The larger literature on health inequities is moving beyond individual-level predictors of risk to evaluate the influence of social determinants of health on the persistent health inequalities in a population. As it has for other groups, additional research into social determinants of health for LGBT persons of color may play an important role in identifying and reducing cancer inequities for this group.

Implications for nursing practice: Increased awareness of the factors that contribute to health inequities for the LGBT population may provide insight into improving patient-provider relationships with LGBT patients. A large body of experiential and clinical knowledge positions nurses to conduct meaningful research to expand the current understanding of the social determinants of LGBT cancer health inequities.

Keywords: LGBT; cancer disparities; sexual orientation; social determinants of health.