The Importance of LGBTQI+ Cancer Care
Understanding Unique Risk Factors
LGBTQI+ individuals may face distinct risk factors for certain types of cancer, such as higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use, which can contribute to elevated rates of lung and liver cancers. Additionally, certain subgroups, such as transgender individuals, may face specific health concerns related to hormone therapy
Overcoming Health Disparities
LGBTQI+ individuals often experience health disparities, including decreased access to healthcare, higher rates of mental health issues, and a history of discrimination. These factors can contribute to delayed cancer diagnoses and poorer health outcomes.
Addressing Mental Health & Well-being
LGBTQI+ individuals may experience higher levels of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation. A cancer diagnosis can exacerbate these issues. Offering mental health support as an integral part of cancer care is crucial.
At The Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation our aim is to...
Creating an environment where LGBTQI+ individuals feel safe, accepted, and respected is paramount. This includes policies that protect against discrimination and harassment, as well as providing resources for LGBTQI+-specific support.
Recognizing the unique needs of LGBTQI+ individuals in cancer care is an essential step toward providing inclusive, effective, and compassionate support. By addressing health disparities, offering culturally competent care, and advocating for policy changes, we can work toward a future where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, receives the highest quality cancer care they deserve.
LGBTQI+ Cancer Support Groups in the United States
Please note that some groups may offer both in-person and online support. Always check their official websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
- The National LGBT Cancer Network – New York, NY
- LGBTQ+ Cancer Support Group (Hope & Cope) – Montreal, QC
- CancerCare’s LGBTQ+ Online Support Group – Online
- Queer Cancer Community – Los Angeles, CA
- Cancer Support Community – San Francisco, CA
- LGBT Cancer Project (Out With Cancer) – San Francisco, CA
- New York LGBT Network Cancer Support Group – Long Island, NY
- Living with Cancer LGBTQ+ – Palo Alto, CA
- LGBTQI+ Cancer Support Group (Cancer Lifeline) – Seattle, WA
- Out With Cancer – Portland, OR
- LGBTQ+ Cancer Support Group (Gilda’s Club) – Chicago, IL
- Facing Cancer Together (Out Cancer) – Boston, MA
- The LGBTQ+ Support Group for Cancer Survivors (Cancer Support Community) – Online
- Out with Cancer Support Group – Toronto, ON
- LGBTQ+ Cancer Support Group (UCLA Health) – Los Angeles, CA
- LGBTQ+ Cancer Support Group (University of Colorado Cancer Center) – Aurora, CO
- LGBTQ+ Cancer Support Group (Providence Health & Services) – Portland, OR
- Transgender Cancer Patient Support Group (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) – Boston, MA
- LGBTQ+ Cancer Support Group (Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center) – Buffalo, NY
- Rainbow Support Group (Florida Cancer Specialists) – St. Petersburg, FL
- LGBTQ+ Cancer Support Group (NewYork-Presbyterian) – New York, NY
- Queer & Trans* Cancer Support Group (Purdue University) – West Lafayette, IN
- LGBTQ+ Cancer Support Group (NYU Langone Health) – New York, NY
- Q-Squared – LGBT Cancer Support (Penn Medicine) – Philadelphia, PA
- Rainbow Connection (Fox Chase Cancer Center) – Philadelphia, PA
- LGBTQ+ Cancer Support Group (Cleveland Clinic) – Cleveland, OH
- Queer & Trans Cancer Support Group (Fenway Health) – Boston, MA
- LGBTQ+ Cancer Support Group (UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center) – San Francisco, CA
- Queer Cancer Community of San Diego (Sharp HealthCare) – San Diego, CA
- Rainbow Cancer Care (Mayo Clinic) – Rochester, MN
LGBTQI+ Cancer Support Groups in the Philadelphia Tri-State Area
Please note that some groups may offer both in-person and online support. Always check their official websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
- Mazzoni Center
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Website: mazzonicenter.org
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC)
Location: Bala Cynwyd, PA
Website: lbbc.org
- William Way LGBT Community Center
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Website: waygay.org
- LGBT Elder Initiative
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Website: lgbtei.org - Fenway Health
Location: Boston, MA (Provides online support)
Website: fenwayhealth.org - LGBT Cancer Project (Out With Cancer)
Location: San Francisco, CA (Offers online support)
Website: outwithcancer.org
- The Attic Youth Center
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Website: atticyouthcenter.org - Philadelphia FIGHT
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Website: fight.org - The COLOURS Organization
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Website: coloursorganization.org - WayGay
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Website: waygay40.org
- Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
Location: Allentown, PA
Website: bradburysullivancenter.org - Delaware Valley Legacy Fund (DVLF)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Website: dvlf.org - LGBT Equality Alliance
Location: West Chester, PA
Website: lgbteachesco.org - Mautner Project of Whitman-Walker
Location: Washington, D.C. (Serves the Philadelphia area)
Website: whitman-walker.org - Bebashi – Transition to Hope
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Website: bebashi.org - GALAEI
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Website: galaei.org
National LGBT Cancer Network
Population Served:
Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals in the US
To improve the lives of LGBT cancer survivors and those at risk by educating the LGBT community about increased cancer risks and the importance of screening and early detection; training health care providers to offer more culturally-competent, safe and welcoming care; and advocating for LGBT survivors in mainstream cancer organizations, the media and research.
- Resource library contains up-to-date research articles, webinars, videos, fact sheets, etc.
- Maintains directories of LGBT-welcoming cancer screening facilities and cancer treatment facilities in the US
- Provides LGBT cultural competency trainings for health and human service providers.
Young Adult Survivors United
Contact: Website
Population Served:
Young adult cancer survivors diagnosed between ages 18 and 45, co-survivors and family members
YASU provides support for young adult cancer survivors and their co-survivors with virtual programming outreached on a national level, providing emotional, spiritual, and social support under professional guidance and with peers who understand and can relate.
- Offers virtual (national) and in-person (Pittsburgh) support programs to young adult cancer survivors and co-survivors
- Special groups for LGBTQ+, caregivers, and grief support for family members
- Offers additional financial assistance and respite trips for eligible members
National LGBT Cancer Project
Population Served:
Young Adult and Adult Patients, Survivors, and Caregivers
To raise awareness and diminish the threat of cancer in the LGBT community worldwide, through research, education, survivor support and advocacy. To provide cancer-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people and other sexuality and gender diverse people and communities.
- Online support group community
- Patient and survivor stories
- Advocacy and research
OutCare Health
Population Served:
LGBTQ+ communities in the US and Canada
To provide extensive information, education, training, consultation, resources, community programming, mentorship, and research for LGBTQ+ people looking for healthcare solutions. OutCare has a number of LGBTQ+ initiatives, including:
- OutList directory of LGBTQ+ affirming providers
- LGBTQ+ Public Resource Database
- Mentorship Program
- OutTalk series on diversity and intersectionality
- OutReach Community Building & Support Groups
- LGBTQ+ research and trainings