LGBTQ+ people may be at higher risk of certain cancers due to fear of discrimination

As Pride Month approaches, a new report has found an increased risk of cancer among people who identify as LGBTQ+. Researchers say LBGTQ+ people may be more likely to smoke, drink alcohol or live with obesity — all linked to cancer — and are also more likely to avoid going to the doctor for fear of discrimination, which could delay the diagnosis of cancer.

In an interview with ABC News, American Cancer Society Chief Scientific Officer Dr. William Dahut, also an experienced prostate cancer clinician-scientist, said that “we are very aware, particularly in this population , a hesitation to receive health care. Due to prejudice, lack of familiarity (from doctors)… we feared the results would be worse.

The full analysis was released Friday by the American Cancer Society, a nonprofit organization focused on eradicating cancer for all, and it is the first to provide national data on behavioral risk factors, cancer diagnoses and screening in this population.

Rates of preventive cancer screening and vaccination among LGBTQ+ people were similar to those of heterosexual peers, with the exception of lower cervical and colorectal cancer screening among transgender men.

“It was a bit of positive news,” commented Dahut.

However, it is estimated that more than a million LGBTQ+ people are living with cancer, although research is limited so far. The new report summarizes data collected from three major national surveys – the National Health Interview Survey, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the National Youth Tobacco Survey – to estimate the factors risk and incidence of cancer among those who identify as LGBTQ+.

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

Researchers said doctors and nurses should be specifically trained in how to provide loving and inclusive care to LGBTQ+ people.

Sarah Danziger, MD is an internal medicine resident at Dartmouth and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.