Abstract
Evidence shows that lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals, defined as sexual minorities, have more cancer risk factors compared to heterosexual individuals. To date sexual minority cancer survivorship received some research attention, with a particular focus on breast cancer among sexual minority women. Cancer survivorship also extends beyond the sexual minority individual with the disease, affecting the spouse or partner, family members or friends. Moreover cancer is known to affect the informal caregiver, who provides unpaid help and support to an individual with cancer. To date, there is a dearth of information on the caregivers to sexual minority individuals with cancer. Comparative analyses of cancer survivors of different sexual orientations and their respective caregivers provide some of the necessary knowledge. A better understanding of sexual minorities with cancer and their caregivers can inform the later development of programs that are culturally appropriate and address the needs of sexual minority survivors and their caregivers.
Citation Format: Ulrike Boehmer. Cancer survivorship and sexual minorities. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA22.