Cancer Equity and Affirming Care: An Overview of Disparities and Practical Approaches for the Care of Transgender, Gender-Nonconforming, and Nonbinary People

Scoping review of experiences of sexual minority women treated for breast cancer

PURPOSE

To summarize and critique research on the experiences and outcomes of sexual minority women (SMW) treated with surgery for breast cancer through systematic literature review.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search identified studies from the last 20 years addressing surgical experiences and outcomes of SMW breast cancer survivors. Authors performed a quality assessment and thematic content analysis to identify emergent themes.

RESULTS

The search yielded 121 records; eight qualitative studies were included in the final critical appraisal. Quality scores for included studies ranged 6-8 out of 10. Experiences and outcomes of SMW breast cancer survivors were organized by major themes: 1) Individual, 2) Interpersonal, 3) Healthcare System, and 4) Sociocultural and Discursive.

CONCLUSIONS

SMW breast cancer survivors have unique experiences of treatment access, decision-making, and quality of life in survivorship. SMW breast cancer survivors' personal values, preferences, and support network are critical considerations for researchers and clinicians.

Equity in Health Care

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) has made marked contributions to the art and science of nursing, including establishment of resources and a community for oncology nurses across the United States. ONS's core values have evolved to innovation, excellence, advocacy, and inclusivity (ONS, 2021). While we know that these core values are, in virtue, admirable, there is a stark need to address another value-equity.