Sexual minority experiences of cancer care: A systematic review

• Sexual minorities have a distinct cancer experience and needs.
• The effects of treatments have specific consequences on LGB populations.
• Many sexual minority patients experience some degree of discrimination.
• Sexual minorities tend to report poorer health than their heterosexual counterparts.
• Sexual minorities have limited access to specialist cancer support.

There is a lack of published evidence from within the UK examining the needs of LGB cancer patients. A full systematic review of the worldwide literature was carried out with the aim to ascertain the experiences of sexual minority cancer patients and identify specific needs required.Key databases were searched with a variety of terms relating to the sexual minority cancer experience. Suitable literature was reviewed and references within all articles were search to ensure as inclusive a review as possible. Articles were subject to critical appraisal and scoring using The Support Unit for Research Evidence (SURE 2013) critical appraisal tools to assess eligibility for inclusion within the review. Twenty-five articles were selected for inclusion and were analysed. The papers were categorised into the emerging themes from the literature: Experiences of care (n = 6), Coping and Wellbeing (n = 6), Emotional Support (n = 4), Body Image (n = 3), and Sexual Function (n = 6). The data extraction revealed contrasting views and experiences of LGB individuals' experience of cancer care. Lesbian and gay individuals have different perspectives of cancer care and needs from heterosexuals. Discriminatory attitudes were found to be present in many studies as well as inequalities and gaps within care and support.There is evidence that supports the development of sexual minority specific cancer support groups. Further research of sexual minorities affected by cancer in the UK should be carried out to increase the evidence base and better identify the needs in this cultural group.

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