Out with Cancer

LGBTQI Cancer Survivorship and Care

Jane M. Ussher, Janette Perz, Rosalie Power, Kimberley Allison

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2026
• Print ISBN:
  9781032483054
  9781032483153
• eBook ISBN:
  9781040718513
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Caregiving

This book explores the cancer experiences of LGBTIQ+ people, drawing on two of the largest mixed-methods studies conducted in this area. It addresses the invisibility of sexual and gender minorities in cancer research and care,
highlighting the urgent need for inclusive, culturally safe practice that recognises diverse identities, bodies, and relationships.

Based on data from over 900 LGBTIQ+ patients and carers, the book reveals higher rates of distress, discrimination, and barriers to care compared to the general cancer population. It examines the impact of cancer on psychological
wellbeing, LGBTIQ+ identities, sexuality, and survivorship, for gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, trans, and intersex participants, across cancer types and age groups. Using an intersectional lens, the book identifies how overlapping
forms of marginalisation shape cancer experiences and outcomes. At the same time, it identifies protective factors such as chosen family, affirming care, and LGBTIQ+ community support. It provides actionable recommendations for improving oncology education, policy, and practice, making the case for systemic reform to address health inequities in LGBTIQ+ cancer care. This book is intended for healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, policy makers, and community advocates seeking to improve cancer care for LGBTIQ+ people. It will also be of interest to those working in health equity, public health, and social justice.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Half Title page
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• About the Editors
• Contributors
• Acknowledgements
• 1 Introduction: LGBTIQ+ people are an invisible diversity in cancer care
• 2 “Surviving discrimination by pulling together”: Experiences of minority stress and social support for LGBTIQ+ people with cancer and their carers
• 3 A human right violation: Medical regulation of intersex bodies to reduce poorly evidenced risks of cancer
• 4 Gender euphoria or disruption of gender affirmation: Cancer impact on transgender embodiment and identity
• 5 The queer temporality of chronic illness
• 6 Re-imagining queer embodiment: Challenges to sexuality and intimacy after cancer
• 7 “Oh my god, I’m going to wet myself”, Gay and bisexual men negotiate incontinence during cancer
• 8 Addressing the fertility concerns of LGBTIQ+ people with cancer: A reproductive justice perspective
• 9 Developing identities in the context of cancer: LGBTIQ+ adolescents and young adults (AYAs)
• 10 Pushed to the sidelines: LGBTIQ+ cancer carers
• 11 Being out with cancer: LGBTIQ+ disclosure and the impact on cancer care and satisfaction
• 12 Egalitarian, inclusive, or hostile? Healthcare professional perspectives on LGBTIQ+ people with cancer
• 13 What patients want: Recommendations for policy and practice in LGBTIQ+ cancer care
• Appendices
• Index