Out with Cancer

This book explores the cancer experiences of LGBTIQ+ people, drawing on two of the largest mixed-methods studies conducted in this area. It addresses the invisibility of sexual and gender minorities in cancer research and care,
highlighting the urgent need for inclusive, culturally safe practice that recognises diverse identities, bodies, and relationships.

Based on data from over 900 LGBTIQ+ patients and carers, the book reveals higher rates of distress, discrimination, and barriers to care compared to the general cancer population. It examines the impact of cancer on psychological
wellbeing, LGBTIQ+ identities, sexuality, and survivorship, for gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, trans, and intersex participants, across cancer types and age groups. Using an intersectional lens, the book identifies how overlapping
forms of marginalisation shape cancer experiences and outcomes. At the same time, it identifies protective factors such as chosen family, affirming care, and LGBTIQ+ community support. It provides actionable recommendations for improving oncology education, policy, and practice, making the case for systemic reform to address health inequities in LGBTIQ+ cancer care. This book is intended for healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, policy makers, and community advocates seeking to improve cancer care for LGBTIQ+ people. It will also be of interest to those working in health equity, public health, and social justice.

Jane M. Ussher is Professor of Women’s Health Psychology at the Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Australia. A critical health psychologist with four decades of experience, her research focuses on sexual and reproductive health and embodied subjectivity. She is the editor of the journal Women’s Reproductive Health and the Routledge Women and Psychology book series, and was the lead investigator on the Out with Cancer study and the Prostate Cancer Sexuality study.

Janette Perz is Professor of Health Psychology and Director of the Translational Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University, Australia. She has over 30 years of experience researching reproductive and sexual health, with a focus on gendered experiences, subjectivity, and identity, and was an investigator on the Out with Cancer and Prostate Cancer Sexuality studies.

Rosalie Power is a research fellow in the Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Australia. She is an NHMRC Emerging Leader and a co-author of a series of publications on LGBTIQ+ cancer survivorship and care, as a member of the Out with Cancer study team.

Kimberley Allison is a research fellow at the Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Australia. She is a co-author of a series of publications on LGBTIQ+ cancer survivorship and care, as part of the
Out with Cancer study team.