Prostate Cancer in Sexual Minorities: Epidemiology, Screening and Diagnosis, Treatment, and Quality of Life

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. There is growing recognition of disparities faced in diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment outcomes in sexual minorities, including gay and bisexual men, as well as transgender women. Although it is unclear whether sexual minorities have a higher incidence of prostate cancer compared to heterosexual men, several qualitative and quantitative studies have established worse quality-of-life outcomes for sexual minorities following prostate cancer treatment. Further studies are urgently warranted in this growing population in order to provide the best care to sexual minorities with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer has the highest incidence among all cancers in men. Sexual minorities, including gay and bisexual men, as well as transgender, were previously a hidden population that experienced prostate cancer. Although there continues to remain a paucity of data in this population, analyses from studies do not reveal whether this population is more likely to endure prostate cancer. Nonetheless, several qualitative and quantitative studies have established worse quality-of-life outcomes for sexual minorities following prostate cancer treatment. Increased awareness of this previously hidden population among healthcare workers, as well as more research, is warranted to gain further understanding on potential disparities faced by this growing population.

Automated summary

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Sexual minorities, including gay and bisexual men, as well as transgender women, face disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment outcomes. While it is unclear if sexual minorities have a higher incidence of prostate cancer, studies have shown worse quality-of-life outcomes for this population following treatment. Further research is urgently needed to provide optimal care for sexual minorities with prostate cancer.