Full Description
This book explores the cancer experiences of LGBTIQ+ people, drawing on two of the largest mixed-methods studies conducted in this area. It addresses the invisibility of sexual and gender minorities in cancer research and care,
highlighting the urgent need for inclusive, culturally safe practice that recognises diverse identities, bodies, and relationships.
Based on data from over 900 LGBTIQ+ patients and carers, the book reveals higher rates of distress, discrimination, and barriers to care compared to the general cancer population. It examines the impact of cancer on psychological
wellbeing, LGBTIQ+ identities, sexuality, and survivorship, for gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, trans, and intersex participants, across cancer types and age groups. Using an intersectional lens, the book identifies how overlapping
forms of marginalisation shape cancer experiences and outcomes. At the same time, it identifies protective factors such as chosen family, affirming care, and LGBTIQ+ community support. It provides actionable recommendations for improving oncology education, policy, and practice, making the case for systemic reform to address health inequities in LGBTIQ+ cancer care. This book is intended for healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, policy makers, and community advocates seeking to improve cancer care for LGBTIQ+ people. It will also be of interest to those working in health equity, public health, and social justice.
Contents
Contributors
Acknowledgements
1 Introduction: LGBTIQ+ People are an Invisible Diversity in Cancer Care
Jane M. Ussher, Rosalie Power, Kimberley Allison, Janette Perz
2 "Surviving discrimination by pulling together": LGBTIQ+ cancer patient and carer experiences of minority stress and social support.
Rosalie Power, Jane M. Ussher, Janette Perz, Kimberley Allison, Alexandra Hawkey, and the Out with Cancer Study Team.
3 Re-imagining Queer Embodiment: Challenges to Sexuality and Intimacy after Cancer
Jane M. Ussher, Sam Sperring, Amanda Denes, Rosalie Power, Janette Perz, Samantha Ryan, Chloe Parton, Gary W. Dowsett, Colin Ellis, Kimberley Allison
4 "Oh my god, I'm going to wet myself", Gay and bisexual men negotiate incontinence during cancer
Colin Ellis, Jane M. Ussher, Rosalie Power, Alexandra Hawkey
5 Addressing the Fertility Concerns of LGBTIQ+ People with Cancer: A Reproductive Justice Perspective
Alexandra Hawkey, Jane M. Ussher, Rosalie Power, Janette Perz
6 The Queer Temporality of Chronic Illness
Sam Sperring, Jane M. Ussher, Rosalie Power, Alexandra Hawkey
7 Gender Euphoria or Disruption of Gender Affirmation: Cancer Impact on Transgender Embodiment and Identity
Jane M. Ussher, Rosalie Power, Kimberley Allison, Janette Perz, Chloe Parton, Colin Ellis, Teddy Cook
8 A Human Right Violation: Medical Regulation of Intersex Bodies to Reduce Poorly Evidenced Risks of Cancer
Jane M. Ussher, Morgan Carpenter, Rosalie Powe, Samantha Ryan, Bonnie Hart, Janette Perz, Alexandra Hawkey
9 Developing Identities in the Context of Cancer: LGBTIQ+ Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs)
Kimberley Allison, Jane M. Ussher, Janette Perz, Rosalie Power, Samantha Ryan, Fiona McDonald, Kerry H. Robinson, Cristyn Davies
10 Pushed to the Sidelines: LGBTIQ+ Cancer Carers
Kimberley Allison, Jane M. Ussher, Janette Perz, Rosalie Power
11 Being Out with Cancer: LGBTIQ+ Disclosure and the Impact on Cancer Care and Satisfaction
Rosalie Power, Jane M. Ussher, Kimberley Allison, Alexandra Hawkey, Janette Perz
12 Egalitarian, Inclusive, or Hostile? Healthcare Professional Perspectives on LGBTIQ+ People with Cancer
Jane M. Ussher, Rosalie Power, Janette Perz, Alexandra Hawkey, Kimberley Allison
13 What Patients Want: Recommendations for Policy and Practice in LGBTIQ+ Cancer Care
Rosalie Power, Jane M. Ussher, Alexandra Hawkey, Janette Perz, Samantha Ryan, Jenni Bruce
Index
