LGBTIQA+ people

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer and questioning (LGBTIQA+) cancer survivors and their carers can have unique issues and concerns. You may find these resources and information helpful as you move forward.

​ There is also some information on the Sex and Intimacy page​ of the Common Survivorship Issues Directory. 

Websites​

Fact sheets / Booklets

Webinars

Podcasts

Support Services

  • Cancer Council 13 11 20: Free telephone service providing information, emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer, managed by cancer nurses who have undergone specific training to ensure that this service is culturally safe and inclusive for LGBTIQA+ people and their carers.
  • Cancer Connect: Provides one-to-one telephone peer support for people affected by cancer. The service supports people who identify as same-sex attracted by matching you with a trained volunteer who shares similar experiences.
  • Cancer Council Online Community is an online support service providing peer-based support. The Online Community is a safe space where you can talk about your experiences with cancer and share tips and strategies on how to cope with the challenges you, and your family, may face both during and after cancer treatment.
  • Gay Men’s and Bisexual Prostate Cancer Support Group – for more information contact Cancer Council on 131120.
  • Breast Care Network Australia LGBTIQ+ Breast Cancer Network: an online peer-to-peer support group for people who identify within the LGBTIQA+ communities and have also been affected by breast cancer to connect with others, share stories or ask for advice.
  • QLife: A national, free, confidential LGBTIQA+ phone and webchat service, open 3pm to midnight every day of the year. You can talk to a trained LGBTIQA+ community member that provides peer support, information and referrals, including for people with cancer. Webchat / Phone 1800 184 527.

Clinical Services at Peter Mac and the Parkville Precinct

Peter Mac and the Parkville Precinct are committed to improving outcomes and reducing barriers for optimal cancer care for its culturally and gender diverse communities. You can read more about this on the Peter Mac website, and through their Diversity and Inclusion Position statement.

​​​​​​The following services are available to patients of Peter Mac, Parkville. If you are treated elsewhere, please speak with your oncology team, as you may have different clinical service options.

  • Psychosocial Oncology (encompassing both Psychiatry and Psychology services). Psychologists use various approaches to help people with cancer and their families adjust to the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer. Psychiatry is the medical specialty aimed at improving mental health. Psychiatric clinicians have a deep understanding of physical and mental health – and how they affect each other.
  • Social work services. Social workers can assist and provide support during cancer diagnosis and treatment.
  • Peter Mac Victorian AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) Cancer Service. This service provides support to young people between the ages of 15 and 25 years with cancer, and their families. They work with the medical team to ensure all aspects of a young person’s health and wellbeing are looked after, both during treatment and in the years beyond treatment. 
  • Sexual health and erectile dysfunction clinic: This clinic focuses on managing erectile dysfunction. It is designed for people who have had surgery following a prostate cancer diagnosis. For more information contact the patient navigator on 03 8559 8496 or email [email protected].

The following services are available to patients of Royal Women’s Hospital.

  • Psychosexual Medicine Clinic. This clinic is run by doctors trained in women’s health and sexuality, as well as couples and individual counselling. Referrals can be made via the Clinic Access Centre or the MSAC.

Publications and Resources for Health Professionals

LGBTQ communities and cancer care  a course through eviQ Education, aimed at cancer service workers (both clinical and non-clinical) to enhance their knowledge, confidence and practice skills in LGBTQ care and respond to the unique needs of LGBTIQA+ people with cancer.

Lisy K , Peters M D J, Schofield P, Jefford M. Experiences and unmet needs of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people with cancer care: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. Psychooncology. 2018 June 27(6):148-1489.  

Lisy K, Ward A, Schofield P, Hulbert-Williams N, Bishop J, Jefford M. Patient‐reported outcomes of sexual and gender minority cancer survivors in Australia. Psychooncology. 2019 Feb 28(2):442-444.

Lisy K, Peters M.D.J, Kerr L, Fisher C. (2022). LGBT Populations and Cancer in Australia and New Zealand. In: Boehmer U, Dennert G. (eds) LGBT Populations and Cancer in the Global Context. Springer, Cham.

Ussher J, Allison K, Perz J, Power R and The Out with Cancer Study Team. LGBTQI cancer patients’ quality of life and distress: A comparison by gender, sexuality, age, cancer type and geographical remoteness. Frontiers in Oncology. 2022 Sept 12:873642.

Ussher JM, Power R, Perz J, Hawkey AJ, Allison, K. LGBTQI Inclusive Cancer Care: A Discourse Analytic Study of Health Care Professional, Patient and Carer Perspectives. Frontiers in Oncology. 2022 May 10; 12:832657.

Power R, Ussher JM, Perz J, Allison K, Hawkey AJ. Surviving Discrimination by Pulling Together: LGBTQI Cancer Patient and Carer Experiences of Minority Stress and Social Support. Frontiers in Oncology. 2022 Jun 24;12:918016.

Kamen C. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Survivorship. Seminars in Oncology Nursing. 2018 Feb 34(1)52-59.

Webinars for health professionals

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia: Out with cancer Professor Jane Ussher from the ‘Out with Cancer’ Study, and a panel of LGBTIQA+ people with lived experiences, discuss preliminary study findings, including photo-voice, interview and survey results.