LGBTQ+ people at higher risk of some cancers possibly... fear of discrimination

[Jessica_Rose]

LGBTQ+ people at higher risk of some cancers possibly, due to fear of discrimination

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/lgbtq-people-at-higher-risk-of-some-cancers-possibly-due-to-fear-of-discrimination/ar-BB1no2zi?ocid=windirect&cvid=8b9e8a86f29a4012a3b1df743cd0a4c7&ei=83

ABC News (31 May 2024)

Ahead of Pride Month, a new report has highlighted increased cancer risk for those who identify as LGBTQ+ as researchers say that LBGTQ+ people may be more likely to smoke, drink alcohol or be living with obesity -- all linked to cancer -- and that they also may be more likely to avoid going to the doctor for fear of discrimination, which could cause delays in cancer diagnosis.

In an interview with ABC News, the chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society Dr. William Dahut, also an experienced clinician-researcher in the field of prostate cancer, said that "we are very aware particularly in this population of a hesitancy about receiving healthcare. Because of biases, because of the lack of [physician] familiarity... we were concerned outcomes could be worse."

The authors highlight policies in nine states where it is legal for medical professionals to refuse care to LGBTQ+ patients, covering an estimated 20% of the LGBTQ+ population.

Researchers said that doctors and nurses should be educated specifically on how to provide loving and inclusive care to LGBTQ+ people.

[LoriDee]

That is one of the things I like about the VA. The people who work there are not trying to get rich. They work for the VA because they truly care about taking care of veterans. It doesn't matter if they are black, white, native, transgender, gay, lesbian, or whatever. To them, a veteran is a veteran and they have had hours upon hours of training on handling gender issues, pronouns, and respecting the person.

The only people who work for the VA who openly discriminates against transgender veterans is the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. He could change the policies but openly refuses to do so.