In Canada, around 1 million people identify with a sexual or gender minority, representing 4% of the population. Despite increased recognition of LGBT realities in society, health inequalities persist for people from sexual and gender minorities (SGM), and research reveals that this is particularly the case for cancer.

These health inequalities affect the entire cancer trajectory, from prevention to post-cancer care. Various oncology or SGM organizations have issued recommendations or undertaken actions dedicated to SGM people affected by cancer. Despite these initiatives, we have little information on the care pathways and experiences of SGM patients, their families and caregivers to guide our efforts to provide sex- and gender-inclusive oncology care.

This project has two objectives. The aim of the first objective is to describe the care pathway and experience of MSG cancer patients from the perspective of the SGM patients themselves, their families and the professionals on the care teams. The second objective aims to define recommendations and propose concrete actions to improve oncology care for SGM people by mobilizing the relevant players at a provincial forum.

The results will make it possible to document the needs and issues of SGM people in the context of Quebec oncology care, and to identify actions to be taken to make this care more inclusive. These results, the fruit of a collaborative process, can guide the actions of clinical, community, university and organizational environments wishing to offer care and services in line with the reality of SGM people with cancer.