United States: Recently, a research-based result showed that gay men and bisexuals are more susceptible to Cancer, and it is extremely difficult for LGBTQ+ actors to notice the disease and get medical care in time.
Details on the Findings
Research from the American Cancer Society reveals that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to smoke, consume alcohol, and be obese compared to the general population, factors that heighten cancer risk within this group.
A survey released by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on Monday highlights that Discrimination in healthcare settings prevents LGBTQ+ individuals from receiving adequate tests and treatments. Many providers fail to address the biases that LGBTQ+ patients encounter.
According to the chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society, Dr. William Dahut, “There may be folks that are avoiding health care because they don’t feel welcome,” and “Then, when they do present for care, their cancer will be at a place where it’s more likely to lead to morbidity, or potentially even mortality,” as USA Today reported.
Study Insights
An analysis using federal health data from 2020 to 2022 by the American Cancer Society found that bisexual women over 40 smoked more than their heterosexual counterparts. LGBTQ+ youth also had higher rates of tobacco use than non-LGBTQ+ youth.
For lesbian and bisexual women, the research indicated higher rates of excess body weight and obesity. Additionally, bisexual women and transgender individuals were less likely to engage in physical activity and more likely to consume alcohol, with many bisexual women exceeding seven alcoholic drinks per week.
Factors Contributing to Increased Risk
The elevated risk factors are linked to minority stress from Discrimination, which can lead to mental health and substance use issues, increasing cancer risk.
Cancer screening and vaccinations with HIV/HPV inclusivity were as likely to be sought or sought more among the members of the plotted LGBTQ+ community as compared to heterosexual or cisgender individuals. Even so, the screening for cervical or colorectal cancers was comparatively less in the case of transgender men, according to the study.
Moreover, new infections with cancer-precipitating viruses, including HIV, HPV, and HSV, were found to be prevalent among homosexual and bisexual men compared to other groups despite a general reduction in such infections in the modern era.