LGBTQ+ Pride

Pride is a month of acceptance, friendship, and coming together for the LGBTQ+ community. This Pride, we want to remind you that, no matter how you identify or who you love, we are here for you. 

If you are LGBTQ+ you may have questions about if this will affect your risk of cancer, or the screening or treatment you may need.

Sexual orientation and gender identity should not affect your access to the right healthcare. But we know that sometimes LGBTQ+ people may face extra challenges in getting the right help. 

Read our information for LGBTQ+ people about cancer and find out about the support that is available to you.

Information for LGBTQ+ people with cancer

We have information and advice about cancer for LGBTQ+ people that we created in partnership with Live Through This – a cancer support and advocacy charity for the LGBTIQ+ community.

LGBTQ+ people and cancer treatment

Our cancer information for LGBTQ+ people has advice about talking to your healthcare team, information about coping with cancer and the support and treatment that you should receive. You may worry about being treated differently. But if you are treated unfairly there are things you can do.

We also have details of different people you can talk to, including LGBTQ+ cancer support groups.

LGBTQ+ people and cancer treatment

Transgender and non binary people and cancer

If you are transgender (trans), non-binary, or both, our cancer information includes guidance about things like cancer risk, symptoms and screening, and treatment.

There is also advice about talking to your healthcare team, what to do if you are treated unfairly, and support that is available to you.

Transgender and non binary people and cancer

Support for LGBTQ+ people with cancer

If you have been affected by cancer and need support, there are people and organisations you can talk to.
A person holding a telephone receiver.

Talk to Macmillan

Our Cancer Information and Support Specialists are here to listen. Whatever is on your mind, they are here to offer emotional support, as well as practical information and guidance.

You can:

They are available to speak to 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm. 

A man using a laptop on a desk

Talk to other LGBTQ+ people on our Online Community

The Macmillan Online Community is a free online place for people who are living with or who are affected by cancer to chat about the issues affecting them. There is a LGBTQ+ forum where you can connect to others and talk about their experiences.

You might be interested in reading Eliza's blog about representing the online community at Pride.

Two people holding hands

LGBTQ+ cancer support groups

  • Out Patients run a peer support group for LGBTQ+ people affected by cancer. This group focuses on LGBTQ+ experiences of cancer and support, rather than on any one cancer type. 
  • LGBT Walnut is a support group based in London for any LGBT person affected by prostate cancer.
  • Out with Prostate Cancer is a support group based in Manchester, aimed at gay and bisexual men and trans women affected by prostate cancer.

Why is Pride important for people living with cancer?

Everyone should get the best cancer care, no matter what

Although sexual orientation and gender identity should not affect your access to the right healthcare, we know that sometimes LGBTQ+ people may face extra challenges in getting the right help.

If feel you or someone you know is being treated unfairly or being discriminated against, read our information being treated differently if you are LGBTQ+.

This includes advice about where you can get support and how to give feedback or make a complaint.

 

Getting the support you need

 Information to help you whatever you're going through

View more
View less