The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) Advisory Group is comprised of members from non-profit organizations, the business community, those with lived experience with cancer, and government representatives and organizations.

There is a disproportionate cancer burden on LGBTQ+ individuals and the LGBTQ+ population is associated with increased risk and poorer outcomes for certain cancers. Such disparities in cancer-specific outcomes stem from the unique cancer risks, needs, and challenges, such as gaps in patient-provider communication and quality of care. Examples include fear of discrimination, negative interactions with health care providers, health insurance barriers, and outright denial of care.

 

The national survey of oncologists at the National Cancer Institute–Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers found that most providers feel they don’t know enough about the specific health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients. According to The Williams Institute at UCLA’s School of Law, there are approximately 60,000 people age thirteen or older that make up the LGBTQ+ population in Maine. Health disparities associated with cancer care for LGBTQ+ individuals is significant.

 

Therefore, the purpose of the LGBTQ+ advisory group is to reduce health inequities for
Maine’s LGBTQ+ communities by partnering with stakeholders in Maine interested in
reducing the burden of cancer within Maine’s LGBTQ+ population.

 

Our Goals are:

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1. To increase stakeholder education and understanding of potential gaps in attitudes, knowledge, institutional practice behaviors, and interests in education on the care of LGBTQ+ patients with cancer.

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2. To increase access to cancer-related care from prevention, screening, treatment, to survivorship for Maine’s LGBTQ+ community.