Enhancing global cancer care for sexual and gender minority populations: regional perspectives and global implications. Lancet Glob Health 2025 Jul;13(7):e1321-e1326
Date
05/27/2025Pubmed ID
40418941Pubmed Central ID
PMC12320323DOI
10.1016/S2214-109X(25)00144-5Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105008929698 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 7 CitationsAbstract
Little is known about cancer disparities faced by diverse sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations globally, with unique barriers in many low-income and middle-income countries. This Viewpoint examines the intersectional challenges faced by SGM groups across multiple settings in accessing high-quality equitable cancer care. In India, the Hijra population (a legally recognised third gender) experiences compounded discrimination due to stigma and socioeconomic marginalisation. SGM individuals in Kenya and Brazil grapple with interpersonal and institutional discrimination, as well as structural barriers that prevent them from receiving timely cancer treatment. By contrast, Thailand's relative success in engaging communities and implementing inclusive health-care models offers valuable insights into ensuring equitable access to care. Through these global contexts, and cognisant of the diversity of SGM individuals' experiences, we provide multilevel recommendations to increase SGM-inclusive cancer research, foster culturally responsive clinical practices, and advocate for evidence-based policy reforms that decriminalise same-sex relations and promote inclusive health-care access for all SGM populations.
Author List
Patel RK, Rosa WE, Chen E, Chitapanarux I, Pramesh CS, Dee ECAuthor
Rohan K. Patel MPH, MD Assistant Professor in the Radiation Oncology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
FemaleGlobal Health
Health Services Accessibility
Healthcare Disparities
Humans
India
Kenya
Male
Neoplasms
Sexual and Gender Minorities
Social Stigma
Thailand
