Research shows that due to past negative experiences with healthcare providers, LGBTQ+ people tend to delay regular health screenings, which results in later stage cancer diagnoses and worse outcomes. Consequently, cancer of the breast tissue disproportionately affects the LGBTQ+ community. The Equitas Health Institute is partnering with WOSU to host Risk, Resources, & Rights, a series of timely conversations about the societal factors that contribute to poor health outcomes, specific screening recommendations for the trans community, thriving after living with cancer, and a statewide program designed to increase patient and provider education on these disparities.
The series will include three virtual events held on Facebook Live:
• April 22 | Cancer of the Breast Tissue in LGBTQ+ Communities: Disparities in Prevalence and Health Outcomes
• May 13 | Breast/Chest Screening Recommendations for Transgender Patients
• June 17 | Cancer Survivorship in the LGBTQ+ Community: Considerations and Resources
The panel discussions will include speakers like Michelle Veras, Projects Director at the National LGBT Cancer Network, and Dr. Elizabeth Arthur of the OSU College of Nursing, whose research and practice includes the sexual wellbeing of women and minorities, survivorship care delivery, and treatment decision-making among cancer survivors. Additionally, panels will include LGBTQ+ survivors of cancer of the breast tissue as well as their caregivers.
“LGBTQ+ people deserve accessible breast/chest screenings, cancer of the breast tissue treatment, and survivor care. The research, and our life experiences, show us again and again that care is only accessible when it is affirming. Our lives depend on the cultural humility of our healthcare providers,” said Julia Applegate, Director of the Equitas Health Institute.
The series is intended for both healthcare providers as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“The Risks, Rights, & Resources series is an opportunity for providers and LGBTQ+ community members to learn from the experts and from each other about what we can do to reduce the risk of breast cancer and improve health outcomes among LGBTQ+ people,” said Applegate.
