Meeting the Unique Needs of LGBTQ Cancer Patients: A Simple Guide

Meeting the Unique Needs of LGBTQ Cancer Patients: A Simple Guide

Pride Month celebrates the diversity and strength of the LGBTQ+ community. At Apollo Proton
Cancer Centre, we are dedicated to providing care that meets the unique needs of LGBTQ+
patients, especially those battling cancer. This guide highlights the special challenges LGBTQ+
cancer patients face and how their treatments can be adapted.

Understanding the Unique Challenges

1. Higher Risk of Certain Infections:

Some LGBTQ+ groups have higher rates of infections like HIV, HPV, and hepatitis, which can
increase cancer risk. For example, a large number of HIV infections occur through male-to-male
sexual contact, and people with HIV have a higher risk of developing certain cancers.AIDS-
defining cancers include Kaposi sarcoma, certain aggressive types of
non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cervical cancer.

2. Additional Barriers to Care leading to delayed attention:

LGBTQ+ cancer patients often face extra hurdles, such as:

– **Delays in seeking care** due to fear of discrimination.

– **Lack of tailored support** during treatment.

– **Special medical considerations** that need to be addressed for effective treatment.

Creating a welcoming and respectful environment is the first step. Educating healthcare staff
about LGBTQ+ issues helps ensure sensitive and respectful communication.

Key Considerations for Treatment

1. Adjusting Hormone Therapy:

Many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy,
need their treatments customized. Hormone therapy can interact with cancer treatments like
chemotherapy and radiation. It's important to adjust these therapies to avoid side effects and
ensure effective cancer treatment. Doctors need to monitor hormone levels closely and work
with specialists to find the right balance.

For cancers sensitive to hormones, such as breast or prostate cancer, continuing hormone
therapy during treatment must be carefully considered. Any changes to hormone therapy can
impact mental health, so emotional support is crucial.

2. Customizing Radiation Therapy:

Transgender patients who have had gender-affirming surgeries need special consideration
during radiation therapy.

Transgender Women (assigned male at birth): Those who have had breast augmentation may
need special radiation plans to account for implants, ensuring cancerous tissues are targeted
without harming the implants or surrounding healthy tissue. This might involve using advanced
imaging techniques and customized radiation doses specifically addressing the physical issues.

Transgender Men (assigned female at birth): For those who have had chest reconstruction
(mastectomy), radiation therapy must be carefully planned to account for the new anatomy. This
precision helps target cancer cells while protecting the reconstructed chest and minimizing
exposure to other organs and tissues.

Our Commitment to Inclusive Care

Addressing the specific needs of LGBTQ+ cancer patients requires a thoughtful and
compassionate approach. At Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, we are dedicated to providing
inclusive and supportive care for all our patients. We believe every patient deserves dignity,
respect, and personalized treatment, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

By understanding and addressing these unique challenges, we can support LGBTQ+ cancer
patients throughout their treatment journey, helping them navigate with confidence and care.

LET US CREATE AN INCLUSIVE WORLD !