Perceptions of and barriers to cancer screening by the sexual and gender minority community: a glimpse into the health care disparity

Purpose A disparity exists in cancer screening rates for the Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) community. We sought to understand the perceptions and baseline knowledge of cancer screening among SGM community members. Methods Survey administered via social media from June 2018 to October 2018. We asked 31 questions focused on cancer screening, human papillomavirus, emotional distress, and experience with the health care system. Those included were 18 years or older. Cancer screening attitudes and knowledge, as well as perceptions of the health care system were investigated. Results There were 422 respondents analyzed: 24.6% identified as female, 25.5% as male, 40.1% transgender, and 9.6% as other. 65.4% of the SGM community is not certain what cancer screening to do for themselves. Only 27.3% and 55.7% knew that HPV was a risk factor associated with head and neck cancer and anal cancer, respectively. Half stated their emotional distress prevents them from getting cancer screening. It was identified that process changes in making appointments, comforts during the visit, and formal training for physicians and nurses could increase cancer screening compliance for this community. The transgender population had a trend in more gaps in knowledge of appropriate cancer screening and significant excess emotional distress. Conclusion Gaps in cancer screening knowledge and emotional and financial distress may be responsible for the disparity of lower cancer screening rates for the SGM population and the transgender population may be most at risk. Appreciating the cancer screening concerns of the SGM population can help shape future clinical and institutional approaches to improve health care delivery.

Automated summary

The study revealed a lack of knowledge and emotional distress among the Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) community regarding cancer screening, leading to lower screening rates. Recommendations to improve compliance include process changes in appointments, enhancing comforts during visits, and providing formal training for healthcare providers.