Cancer in the LGBTQ+ community - what you need to know
In this article we bust some common myths and misconceptions about cancer in the LGBTQ+ community and point you to where you can get more information and support.
"As a gay man, I did wonder whether or not the cancer was caused by my lifestyle." Alan
Myth 1: Being LGBTQ+ gives you cancer
Some people believe that being LGBTQ+ gives you a higher risk of cancer.
“As a gay man, I did wonder whether or not the cancer was caused by my lifestyle; all of the clubbing and partying and fun that I had, not looking after myself properly.” Alan’s story.
Being LGBTQ+ does not increase your cancer risk
Some lifestyle factors do affect cancer risk. Smoking, being overweight, and sun or sunbed exposure can all increase your risk of cancer. Low immunity and a small number of viruses and bacteria are also linked to a higher cancer risk. For example, having HIV can increase the risk of cancers including lymphoma and sarcoma. Read more about cancer risk factors.
Learn about cancer risk factors
You can reduce your risk of cancer and improve your general health by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as:
- Stopping smoking
- Keeping to a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet
- Regular physical activity
- Limiting alcohol
- Taking care in the sun
Infections such as HIV and HPV are linked to some types of cancer. We have more information about lymphoma and HIV and HPV and cancer. You can reduce your risk of sexually-transmitted infections by practising safer sex. Find out more in the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV guide to safer sex.
There are other socio-economic factors which can increase cancer risk for LGBTQ+ communities. These include misconceptions about cancer screening, negative experiences or additional barriers to accessing appropriate healthcare, information and support.
It is important to understand which types of screening you can have. And you should be aware of any health symptoms that are out of the ordinary for you and get these checked.
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people affected by cancer and their loved ones. You can call for free on 0808 808 00 00 or talk with an adviser by email or chat.
"Don’t delay your smear, get it booked, get it done." Lauren
Myth 2: If you are a trans man, lesbian or bisexual woman you don't need cervical screening
It is a common misconception that only women who have sex with men are at risk of cervical cancer and should go for cervical screening (commonly called a smear test).
"Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are associated with HPV, which is passed on by skin-to-skin contact through any type of sexual activity. This includes sexual activity between women." GOV UK website
Cervical screening is for anyone between the ages of 25 and 64 who was assigned female at birth and still has a cervix. This can include cisgender women, trans men and non-binary people who were assigned female at birth.
Cervical screening is important for anyone who has ever been sexually active, whatever your sexual orientation. And it is important to have, even if you have had the HPV vaccination.
If you are registered as female with your GP, you will automatically be sent cervical screening invitations. If you are registered as male and need cervical screening, your GP can arrange screening for you.
Read our cancer screening information for transgender (trans) and non-binary people. It includes advice about gender dysphoria, cancer screening, cancer risk and cancer treatment.
People may also delay routine check-ups, screenings and other early detection exams for other reasons.
These can include:
- lack of awareness about who can have screening
- not receiving an invitation to screening
- worries about discrimination or negative healthcare experiences
- and gender dysphoria
Read Let’s Talk about it…having a bad experience at a smear test from Jo's Trust for information and support about going for screening whatever your gender identify and sexual orientation.
Having screening can reduce your risk of cancer and may save your life. Diagnosing cancer early can mean treatment is more effective and less complex. The earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the better your chance of survival and of being cured.
Read Lauren's experiences of being diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Myth 3: You shouldn't come out to your healthcare team
You do not have to come out to your healthcare team. But it may be an important part of who you are. It might be helpful for your team to know. And you might have some specific questions about how cancer and cancer treatments will affect things like your sexual well-being or body image.
Your team should treat all information about you confidentially. They may only share information with other healthcare professionals when it is needed for your care.
Sometimes it is important to be out to your healthcare team. For example, some scans should not be used during pregnancy. If the gender on your NHS record is male and there is a chance you might be pregnant, it is important that the person doing the scan understands this.
Sometimes healthcare does not work so well. For example, healthcare professionals may wrongly think they know what you need based on the sex you were assigned at birth or your appearance. They may not ask about or use the right pronouns. At worst, LGBTQ+ people may be treated differently, unfairly or without respect.
Watch the video below from LGBTQ+ charity OUTpatients (formally called Live Through This) and hear from people sharing their experiences of chest screening.
The NHS aims to provide healthcare to everyone. This means providing the right care and support to people of all genders and sexual orientations. It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their sex or gender reassignment.
Facing discrimination can be stressful and upsetting. It may be especially difficult when you are already dealing with cancer. If you are being treated unfairly, we have more information about being treated differently if you are LGBTQ+.
You might also find it helpful to talk with others in our Online Community. LGBTQIA+ forum - Macmillan Online Community and read their blog LGBTQIA+ support and safety on the Online Community.
Other organisations who can help
OUTpatients have information for LGBTQ+ people about cancer including about screening and sex with and beyond cancer.
The LGBT Foundation 03453 30 30 30. can give you confidential advice and support.
Transactual - provide information about cancer screening and signposting to trans inclusive organisations.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan's Digital Content Editor team and checked by Macmillan's Cancer Information Development team.
Learn more about our Digital Content Editors and how we produce our cancer information.
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