Enhancing global cancer care for sexual and gender minority populations: Regional perspectives and global implications Review


Authors: Patel, R. K.; Rosa, W. E.; Chen, E.; Chitapanarux, I.; Pramesh, C. S.; Dee, E. C.
Review Title: Enhancing global cancer care for sexual and gender minority populations: Regional perspectives and global implications
Abstract: Little is known about cancer disparities faced by diverse sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations globally, with unique barriers in many low-income and middle-income countries. This Viewpoint examines the intersectional challenges faced by SGM groups across multiple settings in accessing high-quality equitable cancer care. In India, the Hijra population (a legally recognised third gender) experiences compounded discrimination due to stigma and socioeconomic marginalisation. SGM individuals in Kenya and Brazil grapple with interpersonal and institutional discrimination, as well as structural barriers that prevent them from receiving timely cancer treatment. By contrast, Thailand's relative success in engaging communities and implementing inclusive health-care models offers valuable insights into ensuring equitable access to care. Through these global contexts, and cognisant of the diversity of SGM individuals' experiences, we provide multilevel recommendations to increase SGM-inclusive cancer research, foster culturally responsive clinical practices, and advocate for evidence-based policy reforms that decriminalise same-sex relations and promote inclusive health-care access for all SGM populations. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license
Journal Title: The Lancet Global Health
Volume: 13
Issue: 7
ISSN: 2214-109X
Publisher: The Lancet Publishing Group  
Date Published: 2025-06-30
Start Page: e1321
End Page: e1326
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(25)00144-5
PUBMED: 40418941
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008738) acknowledged in PDF -- Source: Scopus
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  1. William   Rosa
    201 Rosa
  2. Edward Christopher Dee
    258 Dee