Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals who have survived cancer during their adolescence and young adulthood are more likely to have chronic health conditions compared to their heterosexual peers with a history of cancer, as well as LGB individuals without a previous cancer diagnosis, according to a recent study published in the journal Cancer.
Previous research has indicated that minority sexual orientation and gender identity populations have higher rates of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, and kidney disease, compared to heterosexual populations. However, there is limited research on the burden of chronic health conditions specifically among LGB cancer survivors.
In order to assess the prevalence of chronic health conditions among LGB survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer, a team of researchers led by Dr. Michael E. Roth from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey. The survey included information from 170 LGB cancer survivors (diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 39 years), who were matched with 1,700 LGB individuals without a history of cancer and 1,700 heterosexual cancer survivors.
The findings of the study revealed that LGB cancer survivors were more likely to report having at least one chronic health condition compared to both LGB individuals without a history of cancer and heterosexual cancer survivors. Specifically, 71% of LGB cancer survivors reported having at least one chronic health condition, compared to 51% of LGB individuals without a history of cancer and 59% of heterosexual cancer survivors. Additionally, LGB cancer survivors were more likely to have more than two chronic health conditions, with 21% reporting such conditions compared to 7.7% of LGB individuals without a history of cancer and 15.1% of heterosexual cancer survivors. These increased risks were observed for conditions including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and pulmonary disease.
After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, the researchers found that LGB cancer survivors had 2.45 times higher odds of having chronic health conditions compared to LGB individuals without a history of cancer, and 2.16 times higher odds compared to heterosexual survivors.
Dr. Roth, the lead researcher, emphasized the significant health disparities that affect the LGB cancer survivor community. The study highlights the need for specialized care and attention for these individuals during and after their cancer treatment in order to address their heightened risk of chronic health issues. By acknowledging and addressing these disparities, it is hoped that healthcare providers can provide more equitable healthcare for sexual and gender minority populations.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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