Differences in LGBTQ health and education need to be addressed

The Moffitt Cancer Center is the national leader in addressing LGBTQ health issues through research and the creation of new educational programs.

In the United States, the LGBTQ (bad, gay, bibadual, transgender and queer / questioning) community has long been a medically under-served minority population. The inequalities experienced by LGBTQ patients, particularly in the treatment of cancer, can lead to poorer outcomes and better health. The Moffitt Cancer Center calls on the country to address LGBTQ health issues through research and the creation of new educational programs.

The importance of LGBTQ health

Moffitt launched the first national survey to identify potential differences in attitudes, knowledge and institutional practices for LGBTQ patients.

The results show that while 95.3% of oncologists were comfortable treating bad, gay and bibadual patients, only 53.1% were confident of knowing the health needs of this population. And this number has dropped significantly in transgender patients, with just over 36.9% of oncologists surveyed saying that they understand the needs of transgender patients.

Matthew Schabath, Ph.D., and lead author of the study, explains, "Three to 12% of the American adult population identifies as LGBTQ. Studies show that the LGBTQ population presents an increased risk and poorer results for some cancers, but despite this increased risk, it is less likely to see a doctor for screening. This group also reported lower satisfaction with cancer care.

"Our investigation revealed that oncologists urgently needed education and training for LGBTQ patients."

In addition, 65.8% of oncologists agreed that it was important to know the gender identity of their patients, 39.6% of whom said that it was important to know the badual orientation of the patient and 70.4% of oncologists wanted to receive education about the unique health needs of their patients. LGBTQ patients.

Improve LGBTQ knowledge to improve their health

Using the information collected in the survey, Moffitt's researchers teamed up with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center of the University of Miami and the UF Health Cancer Center of the University of Florida, at the United States. United States, to create an online cultural skills training program to improve knowledge of LGBTQ issues in the cancer care community.

Prior to this online training, 33% of participants could correctly answer more than 90% of LGBTQ knowledge questions. After the training, this result rose to 85%. And 95% of group members said that they would send another oncologist to training.