Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

How can we meet the support needs of LGBT cancer patients in oncology? A systematic review

2020; Elsevier BV; Volume: 27; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.radi.2020.07.009

1532-2831

Rachael Webster, Heather Drury-Smith,

LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

ObjectivesApproximately 3.6 million people in the UK identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT). Fear of discrimination and lack of sexual orientation and gender identity recording suggests LGBT people are invisible to health services. A systematic review was conducted to critically analyse primary research investigating psychosocial support needs for LGBT cancer patients during and after treatment.Key findingsTwenty studies were included in the review; of which ten were qualitative, seven quantitative and three mixed methods. The main themes highlighted include health care professional knowledge and education, negative impact on mental health, lack of inclusive support groups, prevalence of discrimination within healthcare services and the disclosure or non-disclosure of sexual orientation and gender identity.ConclusionThe review highlights how healthcare providers are failing LGBT cancer patients in psychosocial support resulting in unmet needs. Recommendations have been made to ensure an LGBT inclusive environment within cancer services, as well as the need to develop support services for LGBT cancer patients.Implications for practiceTraining should be provided for HCP staff in LGBT health and awareness. Sexual orientation and gender identity recording and monitoring is important to ensure LGBT people are not ‘invisible’ in oncology, radiotherapy and in future research. LGBT cancer support groups and resources should be created, as the review evidence suggests LGBT patients are actively looking for these resources.