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Cheung CK, Lee H, Levin NJ, Choi E, Ross VA, Geng Y, Thomas BN, Roth ME. Disparities in cancer care among sexual and gender minority adolescent and young adult patients: A scoping review. Cancer Med 2023; 12:14674-14693. [PMID: 37245227 PMCID: PMC10358240 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent and young adult cancer patients (AYAs) who are sexual and gender minorities (SGM) are a rapidly increasing population that experiences unmet cancer-related needs. Despite emerging awareness, little is known about cancer care and outcomes for this vulnerable population. The purpose of this scoping review was to explore current knowledge and gaps in the literature on cancer care and outcomes for AYAs who identify as SGM. METHODS We reviewed empirical knowledge on SGM AYAs by identifying, describing, and critically appraising the literature to date. We conducted a comprehensive search on OVID MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL in February 2022. Additionally, we developed and piloted a conceptual framework for appraising SGM AYA research. RESULTS A total of 37 articles were included in the final review. Most studies focused exclusively on SGM-related outcomes as the primary aim of the study (81.1%, n = 30), whereas others included some focus on SGM-related outcomes (18.9%, n = 7). The majority of studies included AYAs as part of a broader age range (86.0%, n = 32), and only a few studies examined exclusively AYA samples (14.0%, n = 5). Gaps in scientific evidence on SGM AYAs were seen across the cancer care continuum. CONCLUSION Numerous gaps in knowledge of cancer care and outcomes exist for SGM AYAs diagnosed with cancer. Future efforts should fill this void with high-quality empirical studies that reveal unknown disparities in care and outcomes and are inclusive of the intersectionality of SGM AYAs with other minoritized experiences, thereby advancing health equity in meaningful ways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haelim Lee
- University of Maryland School of Social WorkBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Nina Jackson Levin
- University of Michigan School of Social Work and Department of AnthropologyMichiganAnn ArborUSA
| | - Eunju Choi
- Department of Nursing and MD Anderson Cancer CenterUniversity of TexasHoustonTexasUSA
| | | | - Yimin Geng
- Research Medical LibraryUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Bria N. Thomas
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of MedicineScrantonPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Michael E. Roth
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
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2
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Boehmer U, Clark MA, Winter M, Berklein F, Ozonoff A. Sexual minority-specific experiences of colorectal cancer survivors. Health Psychol 2022; 41:884-892. [PMID: 36074595 PMCID: PMC10367941 DOI: 10.1037/hea0001229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine how sexual minority-specific factors relate to colorectal cancer survivors' health-related quality of life, psychological adjustment, and quality of care. METHOD One hundred twenty-seven sexual minority survivors diagnosed with stage I, II, or III colorectal cancer were recruited from four cancer registries. An average of 3 years after diagnosis, eligible survivors participated in a telephone survey, which measured survivors' outcomes, consisting of physical and mental quality of life, anxiety, depression, self-rated fair or poor health, and quality of care. We considered sexual minority-specific factors (e.g., outness, discrimination) as correlates for each survivorship outcome using forward selection with generalized linear or logistic regression models. RESULTS After adjusting for confounders, accumulation of lifetime discrimination experiences had negative associations with survivors' physical and mental quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Sexual minority-specific discrimination experiences were negatively associated with perceived quality of care after adjusting for confounders. Sexual minority survivors' self-rated fair or poor health and their rating of care as excellent were independent of sexual minority-specific factors. CONCLUSION Addressing and counteracting sexual minority-specific and other lifetime discrimination experiences may be a pathway to improving sexual minority cancer survivors' quality of care, quality of life, and psychological adjustment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Boehmer
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Melissa A Clark
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Michael Winter
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Flora Berklein
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Al Ozonoff
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
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Silveri G, Schimmenti S, Prina E, Gios L, Mirandola M, Converti M, Fiorillo A, Pinna F, Ventriglio A, Galeazzi GM, Sherriff N, Zeeman L, Amaddeo F, Paribello P, Pinna F, Giallanella D, Gaggiano C, Ventriglio A, Converti M, Fiorillo A, Galeazzi GM, Marchi M, Arcolin E, Fiore G, Mirandola M, Schimmenti S, Silveri G, Prina E, Amaddeo F, Bragazzi NL. Barriers in care pathways and unmet mental health needs in LGBTIQ + communities. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:215-229. [PMID: 36151825 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2075256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer people and minority gender identities and sexualities (LGBTIQ+) are often stigmatized and experience discrimination in health care settings, leading to poorer mental health outcomes and unmet needs compared to heterosexual and cisgendered peers. It is thus imperative that mental health providers consider and address structural challenges in order to reduce mental health inequalities of this population. This narrative review assessed the barriers that may prevent access to care and the pathways for care in LGBTIQ + communities. PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase, and Scopus were searched for papers published between December 2021 and February 2022. A total of 107 papers were included with studies reflecting five themes: (1) Unmet mental health needs; (2) Young people; (3) Substance abuse and addiction; (4) Barriers and pathways to care; and (5) Interventions. Findings demonstrate that LGBTIQ + people experience stigmatization and higher rates of substance misuse and mental ill health, which may lead to barriers in accessing health care services, and fewer tailored interventions being provided. These findings have implications for policy, health care screening, and how specialist services are structured. Substantial gaps in the evidence-base exist, and future research should examine how mental health care providers can challenge social issues that maintain discriminatory and stigmatizing practices, and support LGBTIQ + individuals to sustain their resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Silveri
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simone Schimmenti
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Prina
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Mirandola
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Galeazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of integrated activity of Mental Health and Pathological Dependencies, USL-IRCSS company of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Nigel Sherriff
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.,Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Laetitia Zeeman
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.,Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Francesco Amaddeo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Paribello
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Giallanella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental, University di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Costanza Gaggiano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental, University di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental, University di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Galeazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mattia Marchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Arcolin
- Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Fiore
- Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Massimo Mirandola
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simone Schimmenti
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giada Silveri
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Prina
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Amaddeo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Boehmer U, Ozonoff A, Winter M, Berklein F, Potter J, Ceballos RM, Clark MA. Anxiety and depression in colorectal cancer survivors: Are there differences by sexual orientation? Psychooncology 2021; 31:521-531. [PMID: 34672050 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine sexual minority compared to heterosexual survivors' health-related anxiety, anxiety, and depression. METHODS Four hundred and eighty eligible survivors participated in a telephone survey, which measured their anxiety and depression. These survivors were diagnosed with stage I, II, or III colorectal cancer an average of three years prior to the survey and were recruited from four cancer registries. As explanatory factors, we considered individual, social and contextual characteristics, prior psychological factors, psychological responses to cancer, and characteristics of cancer and its treatments. Using forward selection with generalized linear models or logistic regression models, we identified significant correlates for each outcome. RESULTS Prior to adjusting for covariates, depression was similar for all survivors, while sexual minority survivors had worse health-related anxiety and anxiety compared to heterosexual survivors. After adjustment, these differences were no longer statistically significant. Individual, social and contextual characteristics, characteristics of cancer, and psychological responses to cancer explained 44% of the variance in anxiety and 60% of the variance in depression. CONCLUSION There are modifiable factors associated with health-related and generalized anxiety as well as depression that can be changed to improve cancer survivorship among diverse survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Boehmer
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Al Ozonoff
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Winter
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Flora Berklein
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer Potter
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,The Fenway Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel M Ceballos
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Melissa A Clark
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Pratt-Chapman ML, Alpert AB, Castillo DA. Health outcomes of sexual and gender minorities after cancer: a systematic review. Syst Rev 2021; 10:183. [PMID: 34154645 PMCID: PMC8218456 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01707-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer research on sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations is gaining momentum. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine what is currently known in the research literature regarding patient-reported health outcomes after cancer treatment among SGM populations. METHODS In March 2021, a medical librarian conducted a systematic keyword search on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov , and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary inclusion criterion was assessment of at least one physical, psychosocial, emotional, or functional patient-reported health outcome related to the impacts of cancer diagnosis and/or treatment. Articles that met inclusion criteria were reviewed in their entirety, charted in a Word Table, and assessed for quality. Quality considerations included study design, sampling approach, diversity of sample, measures used, and analytic procedures. Studies were synthesized based on type of cancer study participants experienced. RESULTS Sixty-four studies were included in the final analysis: most were quantitative, secondary analyses or cross-sectional studies with convenience samples, and focused on people with a history of breast or prostate cancer. Differences between sexual minority men and women in terms of coping and resilience were noted. Few studies reported on experiences of transgender persons and none reported on experiences of intersex persons. CONCLUSIONS A growing literature describes the patient-reported health outcomes of SGM people with a history of cancer. This study summarizes important between-group differences among SGM and heterosexual, cisgender counterparts that are critical for clinicians to consider when providing care. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Sexual orientation and gender identity are relevant to cancer survivors' health outcomes. Subgroups of SGM people have differential experiences and outcomes related to cancer and its impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandi L. Pratt-Chapman
- The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC USA
- The GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, 2600 Virginia Avenue, Suite #324, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Ash B. Alpert
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
| | - Daniel A. Castillo
- Edward G. Miner Library, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer research on sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations is gaining momentum. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine what is currently known in the research literature regarding patient-reported health outcomes after cancer treatment among SGM populations. METHODS In March 2021, a medical librarian conducted a systematic keyword search on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov , and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary inclusion criterion was assessment of at least one physical, psychosocial, emotional, or functional patient-reported health outcome related to the impacts of cancer diagnosis and/or treatment. Articles that met inclusion criteria were reviewed in their entirety, charted in a Word Table, and assessed for quality. Quality considerations included study design, sampling approach, diversity of sample, measures used, and analytic procedures. Studies were synthesized based on type of cancer study participants experienced. RESULTS Sixty-four studies were included in the final analysis: most were quantitative, secondary analyses or cross-sectional studies with convenience samples, and focused on people with a history of breast or prostate cancer. Differences between sexual minority men and women in terms of coping and resilience were noted. Few studies reported on experiences of transgender persons and none reported on experiences of intersex persons. CONCLUSIONS A growing literature describes the patient-reported health outcomes of SGM people with a history of cancer. This study summarizes important between-group differences among SGM and heterosexual, cisgender counterparts that are critical for clinicians to consider when providing care. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Sexual orientation and gender identity are relevant to cancer survivors' health outcomes. Subgroups of SGM people have differential experiences and outcomes related to cancer and its impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandi L Pratt-Chapman
- The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA. .,The GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, 2600 Virginia Avenue, Suite #324, Washington, DC, 20037, USA.
| | - Ash B Alpert
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
| | - Daniel A Castillo
- Edward G. Miner Library, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
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7
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Follow-up surveillance among colorectal cancer survivors of different sexual orientations. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 16:445-454. [PMID: 33851339 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01039-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine receipt of follow-up surveillance among sexual minority and heterosexual survivors and identify survivor-, physician-, and practice-level characteristics associated with follow-up surveillance. METHODS An average of 3 years after their stage I-III colorectal cancer diagnosis, we recruited survivors from four cancer registries. A questionnaire, which queried about sexual orientation and other eligibility criteria, was mailed to all cancer survivors. Subsequently, 418 eligible survivors without recurrent disease participated in a telephone survey. Colorectal cancer-specific follow-up surveillance was defined as colonoscopy, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test, or imaging test. We used logistic regression with forward selection to obtain models that best explained each follow-up test. RESULTS About 10% of survivors received no follow-up surveillance, while 70% had colonoscopies. While survivors irrespective of sexual orientation received follow-up surveillance, sexual minority survivors had 3 times the odds of receiving imaging tests compared to heterosexual survivors. Having a designated provider of any specialty was most salient for the receipt of surveillance. CONCLUSIONS Sexual minority survivors' greater receipt of imaging tests may indicate providers perceive them at greater risk for recurrence than heterosexual survivors. Future studies need to examine provider behaviors towards monitoring colorectal cancer survivors of diverse sexual orientations. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Guidelines recommend surveillance of colorectal cancer survivors to improve survival. This study showed that having a designated provider for follow-up is most salient for the receipt of surveillance, most survivors receive surveillance, and sexual minority survivors had more imaging tests compared to heterosexual survivors.
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