Disparities in Cancer Screening and Preventive Care Access Among LGBTQ+ Populations: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

6-1-2025

Publication Title

Journal of Clinical Oncology

Abstract

Background: The incidence and outcomes of certain health conditions, particularly cancers, can vary significantly across different sexual orientation groups, often influenced by disparities in healthcare access and preventive service utilization. Previous research indicates that sexual minorities may face barriers to appropriate healthcare, increasing the importance of understanding how these disparities manifest in preventive health behaviors, such as cancer screenings. This study aims to identify these differences in preventive care among different sexual orientation groups. Methods: The study utilized the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an annual nationwide survey collecting health-related data from approximately 400,000 U.S. adults, as the primary data source. The data was cleaned for missing cases. The study population included respondents who completed the optional Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) module, while excluding those with missing data on key variables such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and cancer screening. Descriptive statistics were generated from the database to characterize the study population and examine distributions across different demographic and health behavior variables. Statistical analyses were performed to assess associations between sexual orientation and various cancer screening behaviors. Results: The final analysis included 278,519 cases, with demographic characteristics presented in Table. Disparities in educational attainment were observed across sexual orientation groups, with straight individuals representing the largest group across all education levels. A significant association was found between sexual orientation and mammogram screening (p=0.001; Fisher’s Exact Test), with higher screening rates among straight respondents (851 yes vs. 144 no) compared to gay, bisexual, and other groups. No significant associations were found for cervical cancer screening (p=0.818) or sigmoidoscopy utilization (p=0.818). Mammogram screening varies by sexual orientation, while other preventive practices show uniform utilization across groups. Conclusions: The findings highlight significant disparities in mammogram screening among LGBTQ+ individuals, with no such gaps in cervical cancer screening or sigmoidoscopy. These results call for targeted interventions to enhance mammogram uptake in LGBTQ+ communities.

Volume

43

Issue

16 Suppl

First Page

10515

Comments

2025 ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) Annual Meeting, May 30 - June 3, 2025, Chicago, IL

Last Page

10515

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.10515

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