Exploring the Patient Population Profile of LGBTIQ+ People Affected by Cancer in Western and Central Melbourne

Understanding Cancer Care Needs of LGBTIQA+ Communities in Melbourne’s West and Central Region

The Project
The Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (WCMICS) undertook a regional population profile and scoping review to better understand the experiences, needs, and challenges of LGBTIQA+ people affected by cancer.

Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, the project combined analysis of population and hospital data with interviews and surveys involving consumers, carers, and healthcare providers. This work aimed to identify gaps in care and inform practical, system-level improvements across WCMICS member health services.

Why this matters
LGBTIQA+ communities represent an estimated 7.1% of the WCMICS region population, yet evidence shows they experience:

• lower satisfaction with cancer care
• poorer quality of life
• higher levels of psychological distress

Despite this, their needs are often not consistently recognised or addressed within cancer services.

What we found
Barriers to safe and inclusive care
Many LGBTIQA+ individuals reported:

• fear of discrimination or negative experiences in healthcare
• reluctance to disclose identity in clinical settings
• difficulty accessing inclusive or affirming services

These factors can impact engagement, trust, and overall care experience.

Gaps in cultural competency and data collection
Healthcare professionals highlighted:

• limited training in LGBTIQA+ inclusive care
• uncertainty in using appropriate language and pronouns
• inconsistent collection of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data

This limits the system’s ability to understand and respond to patient needs.

Unmet supportive care needs
Key areas of unmet need included:

• psychological and social support
• sexual health and relationship impacts
• access to tailored information and resources

Participants emphasised the importance of peer support and safe spaces within cancer care.

System and policy gaps
The findings highlight the need for:

• clearer organisational policies
  stronger partnerships with LGBTIQA+ organisations
  more visible and meaningful signals of inclusion

What this means for cancer services
This work reinforces that improving outcomes for LGBTIQA+ communities requires system-level change, not just individual clinician awareness.

Key priorities include:

• embedding inclusive practices and training across the workforce
• strengthening data collection and visibility of need
• improving access to tailored support and resources
• ensuring services are safe, inclusive, and responsive by design

Key recommendations
Through a statewide Delphi process, three priority actions emerged:

• Mandatory diversity competency training
• Co-designed with LGBTIQA+ communities to improve patient interactions
• Embed inclusive policies and governance
• Ensure diversity competence is reflected in systems, strategy, and practice
• Ongoing workforce development
• Provide continuous learning opportunities on LGBTIQA+ healthcare

These actions provide a practical starting point for health services to strengthen inclusive cancer care.

What’s next
WCMICS will work with member health services to:

• support implementation of priority recommendations
• strengthen partnerships with LGBTIQA+ organisations
• build workforce capability and confidence
• improve visibility and accessibility of inclusive cancer care

Click below to view the accepted abstract presented at the 2024 COSA ASM