The national LGBT Cancer Project and Out With Cancer, constitute the first national LGBT cancer nonprofit organization in the United States.
When I first came across this group, I was hesitant at first. With there being so many non-profit advocacy groups that focus on cancer, I wasn’t sure why one focused on the needs of the LGBT community was necessary. After reviewing their website materials, now I understand. The common cancer needs and experiences of LGBT people suggest that one unified comprehensive program will result in fewer gaps in service and greater potential for public advocacy. Here’s why:
1. As a group, gay men, lesbians and gender-nonconforming people engage in many of the same stress-related high-risk behaviors, e.g., smoking and alcohol use.
2. LGBT people often delay or avoid health screenings, resulting in cancers being detected at a later stage when they are more difficult to treat.
3. Once diagnosed with cancer, LGBT people experience challenges comparable with being “out” to their providers and receive little information about how cancer may impact their unique sexuality and relationships.
Want to know more?
On lgbtcancer.com, you will find patient and doctor written articles about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people diagnosed with cancer, research references and resources for our national cancer survivor community. Out With Cancer is our country’s premier voice of LGBT cancer survivors.
On outwithcancer.com you’ll find live, online support, blogs and articles by and for all Gay, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people diagnosed with cancer. It’s free, friendly, supportive and informative.
