LGBTIQA+ people and cancer

Support and information

Overview

There are many sources of support and information to help you, your chosen family and carers. The services available to you will depend on where you live. Some will be free, while others might have a cost.

Call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 for more information about support services.

LGBTIQA+ people and cancer booklet (PDF)

About this information

The information on this website is not medical, legal or financial advice. Always consult appropriate professionals about your specific situation. Full disclaimer.

Reviewers

This resource was developed as part of the Western Sydney University Out with Cancer research project. This edition has been developed by Cancer Council NSW on behalf of all other state and territory Cancer Councils as part of a National Cancer Information Subcommittee initiative.

We thank the reviewers of this edition:

Prof Alison Brand, Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney and Director, Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Dr Daniel Brown, Clinical Psychologist and Researcher, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, VIC; Dr Rosalie Power, Senior Research Fellow and Deputy HDR Director, Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, NSW; Dr Sarah Bishop Browne, Palliative and Supportive Care Staff Specialist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Collette Butler, Clinical Nurse Consultant and McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Cancer Support Centre, Launceston, TAS; Prof Ada Cheung, Endocrinologist, NHMRC and Dame Kate Campbell Research Fellow and Head, Trans Health Research Group, The University of Melbourne, VIC; Dr Tiffany Daly, Radiation Oncologist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Raymond Terrace, QLD; A/Prof Ian Faragher, The University of Melbourne and Head, Colorectal and General Surgery Unit, Western Health, VIC; Hall & Wilcox (law firm); A/Prof Peter Heathcote, Urologist, Brisbane Urology Clinic, QLD; Prof Richard Hillman, Senior Staff Specialist, HIV and Immunology, St Vincent’s Health Network, Sydney, NSW; Mads Kennedy, Project Coordinator, Silver Rainbow, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, NSW; Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Breast Cancer Medical Oncologist and Clinician Scientist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Madeline Lee, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Luke Mitchell, Urological and Sexual Health Nurse Practitioner, Men’s Health Melbourne, VIC; Nadia Reddish, Consumer; Dr Stephen Rowles, Sexual Health Physician and General Practitioner, The Centre Clinic and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, VIC; Teresa Simpson, Senior Clinician, Psycho-Oncology Social Work Service, Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, NSW; Mel Tume, Consumer; Prof Jane Ussher, Professor of Women’s Health Psychology and Chief Investigator, Out with Cancer Study, Western Sydney University, NSW; Syr Lumi Vor, Community Member; John Wenborn, Shine a Light (LGBTQIA+ Cancer Support Group).

We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who worked on the first the edition of this title. We particularly acknowledge ACON and Intersex Human Rights Australia for their extensive input on the first edition. Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag designed by Valentino Vecchietti (2021).

View our editorial policy.

LGBTIQA+ specific resources

ACON – NSW-based health promotion organisation specialising in HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTQ health (including cancer).
AGMC – Advocates for the rights of multicultural and multifaith LGBTIQ communities.
Australian Professional Association for Trans Health – Information for professionals involved in providing care for trans people; includes a national directory of health providers.
Black Rainbow – Social network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who identify as LGBQTIA+, sistergirl or brotherboy.
CanQueer – Online community for LGBTQI+ young people impacted by cancer.
Can We – LGBTQ+ specific information about cancer screening, prevention and support.
DocDir – Links to LGBTQ+ friendly health professionals and clinics.
Gender, Bodies and Relationships Passport – Tool to communicate information about your gender, body and relationships with health professionals and services.
InterAction for Health and Human Rights – Provides support, education, peer support and policy information, by and for people with intersex variations or traits.
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia – National organisation for health services that support LGBTIQ+ communities. Keeps a list of inclusive health services for LGBTQI+ communities.
Minus18 – Provides mental health support, peer mentoring and social events for LGBTQIA+ young people from all over Australia.
National Cancer Network (US) – Information on cancer risk, screening and treatment for LGBTQIA+ communities.
Qheadspace – National mental health service for LGBTIQA+ people aged 12–25.
QLife – Provides peer support and referrals about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships through an anonymous online and phone counselling service. Available 3PM–9PM. Call 1800 184 527.
ReachOut – Online mental health support for young people to talk about gender and sexuality.
The Bottom Line – Information on HPV and anal cancer for gay and other men who have sex with men.
TransHub – Information about gender affirmation, hormones and health needs, including cancer screening.

Relevant support

Palliative Care Australia

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