Celebrating Pride, Advancing Inclusivity: Lessons in LGBTQ+ Cancer Care With Lauren Ghazal, PhD, FNP-BC, and Jasmin Hundal, MD, MS, MPH

Understanding Disparities in LGBTQ+ Cancer Care

Dr. Ghazal and Dr. Hundal highlighted the disparities in cancer care experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing the critical role of trust in healthcare systems. Dr. Ghazal noted, “Health disparities appear in lower screening rates for specific cancers among LGBTQ+ individuals. A lot of it is related to perceived mistrust or discrimination of LGBTQ+ patients as they access healthcare systems.” This mistrust, stemming from historical and ongoing experiences of discrimination, creates significant barriers to receiving timely and appropriate care, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. Addressing this obstacle requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes building trust and fostering affirming environments.

The Importance of Accurate Data and Education

Both clinicians emphasized the need for robust sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection to identify and mitigate disparities. Dr. Ghazal stated, “If we can better identify LGBTQ+ patients, then we can start to understand disparities and help mitigate them, and we can also provide tailored, culturally relevant interventions that are catered to LGBTQ+ populations and address their unique needs.”

Underreporting remains a significant barrier, but increased awareness and education—both for clinicians and support staff—can foster a more inclusive environment. Social media, while a double-edged sword, has played a pivotal role in raising awareness and connecting patients to resources.

Resilience, Guidelines, and the Power of Community

The conversation also explored the concept of minority stress and its impact on health outcomes. Dr. Ghazal reflected, “It’s not just one event—it’s a layering of traumatic events that can cause these detrimental outcomes. But there’s also resilience and growth in the LGBTQ+ cancer community that we can uplift and amplify.” She pointed to recent progress, such as the inclusion of LGBTQ+ family building in ASCO’s fertility preservation guidelines, but acknowledged ongoing challenges in research funding and data protection.

Dr. Hundal stressed the importance of education and quality improvement (QI) research projects: “Small QI projects can be done by any level of clinician, and with collaboration, they can be very powerful.” Interdisciplinary teamwork, she added, is essential for delivering comprehensive, affirming care.

Celebrating Pride and Building Trust

As Pride Month is celebrated nationwide, both clinicians encouraged oncology teams to harness this momentum. Dr. Ghazal shared, “Pride is not just for LGBTQ+ populations—it amplifies other underrepresented groups as well. It’s a meaningful time to bring together your colleagues to advance the goals of improving health outcomes.” Simple acts, like wearing a pride pin or displaying pronoun badges, can foster trust and signal support.

Resources and Next Steps

The discussion concluded with a review of key resources, including the National LGBT Cancer Network, Escape (for adolescent and young adult survivors), and groups and information through organizations like the American Cancer Society and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Dr. Ghazal summarized actionable steps for clinicians: “Continue to promote LGBTQ+ affirming environments, integrate mental health support, address financial and legal needs, and ensure accurate, representative data collection.”

Key Takeaways

• Language matters: Use affirming terminology and recognize the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ patients.
• Data is critical: Accurate SOGI data enables tailored interventions and highlights disparities.
• Education and teamwork: Ongoing education and interdisciplinary collaboration drive better outcomes.
• Visibility and trust: Small gestures of support can make a significant difference in patient comfort and trust.
• Resource awareness: Connect patients and families to specialized LGBTQ+ cancer support networks.

About the Speakers

Lauren Ghazal, PhD, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing and an Associate Member in Cancer Prevention and Control at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York. Her research focuses on nursing work-related challenges and financial toxicity experienced by adolescent and young adult cancer survivors, incorporating economic, clinical, and personal experiences to address survivorship disparities.

Jasmin Hundal, MD, MS, MPH, is a second-year Hematology/Oncology Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Previously, she completed her Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Hundal’s main area of interest is the overlap between cardiometabolic health and cancer, particularly for breast cancer patients and survivors. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and hiking.