A recent study by the American Cancer Society reveals that LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination and minority stress that may increase their risk of developing cancer.
The study found that the LGBTQ+ population has higher rates of smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption, all of which contribute to a higher cancer burden. The researchers concluded that health systems need to raise awareness of the unique needs of this community to help reduce their disease risk.
However, many health institutions lack the knowledge and resources to address these specific health care needs. Rey Luna’s experience highlights this issue. Luna began his gender transition five years ago at the age of 27, but his struggle with gender identity started much earlier. As a child, he felt uncomfortable and ashamed because traditional gender stereotypes did not fit him.
“I felt uncomfortable, I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed and just all around sad,” Luna said.
Luna learned about gender dysphoria from a therapist, which was a turning point for him.
“It was just mind-blowing. I literally just cried and was happy, and then I thought, ‘Dang, this looks like it’s going to be hard,'” Luna recalled.
Finding the right medical team was Luna’s first challenge, but his transition involved more than hormone therapy. He also needed routine medical care, including a pap smear, but one doctor turned him away.
“I just kept experiencing situations where people looked at me strangely. It felt like a lot of people were uncomfortable with it and had prejudices,” Luna said.
Dr. Benji Laniakea, chief of the Stanford LGBTIQ+ adult clinical program, explained that until 2013, gender-affirming care was classified as gender identity disorder. Similarly, until the 1970s, being gay was considered a disorder rather than a distinct identity with unique health care needs.
“There are nuances to medical care for LGBTQ+ patients that are often not covered in most medical schools,” Dr. Laniakea told KPIX. “Our patients may not have bodies that align with their legal sex or sex assigned at birth. We need to ensure appropriate cancer screenings for the body parts they have. For example, transmasculine individuals who have had top surgery need specific breast cancer screening. Similarly, transfeminine patients who develop breast tissue later in life need tailored breast cancer screening schedules.”
Luna eventually found a medical team that provided appropriate gender-affirming care. His transition is an ongoing journey of self-discovery that goes beyond just pronouns.
