BCNA launches LGBTIQ+ resources

Today BCNA launches a range of new resources to provide LGBTIQ+ people diagnosed with breast cancer the information and support they need throughout the different stages of their treatment and care.

See Information for LGBTIQ+ people diagnosed with breast cancer.

LGBTIQ+ communities have always been part of BCNA, although they have not always had a wide range of resources which address their individual needs to ensure they feel empowered to make decisions throughout their breast cancer experience.

LGBTIQ+ people have historically also experienced poorer health outcomes in general due to structural inequalities across our health systems.

A recent Out with Cancer study, led by Professor Jane Ussher from Western Sydney University, explored LGBTIQ+ experiences with cancer from the perspective of cancer survivors, their carers, and healthcare professionals.

The study concluded with notable implications for healthcare professionals including the need:

• for awareness and acceptance of LGBTIQ+ people during cancer care
• for further education about LGBTIQ+ experiences and needs
• to not make assumptions around gender and orientation
• to use appropriate language and pronouns and to ask for preferences
• for LGBTIQ+ specific cancer information
• to increase feelings of safety, inclusivity and visibility for LGBTIQ+ people.

From the findings of this study, BCNA established its own LGBTIQ+ Advisory Group to assist with the co-design of new content and resources to begin to plug some of the information gaps outlined in the study. The advisory group consists of eight people who reside across various locations in Australia and identify as members of the LGBTIQ+ community.

The LGBTIQ+ Advisory Group was created to help address the content needs of LGBTIQ+ community members who have been affected by breast cancer. This includes providing insights and ideas about topics which may be of interest, identifying strategies to enhance BCNA’s reach to people in these communities, reviewing and providing feedback for BCNA content, including events and podcasts, and to help BCNA use appropriate language.

New content launched today includes:

• 12 new articles in BCNA’s My Journey – a free information resource where consumers can access breast cancer information specific to their diagnosis in one place.
• Two new podcasts:
  • LGBTIQ+ Experiences of breast cancer and cancer care with Professor Jane Ussher and BCNA Consumer Representative Natalie Halse 
  • Through a rainbow Lens: Navigating breast cancer as an LGBTIQ+ couple with Mel and her partner Riki.
• A new online network group providing LGBTIQ+ people affected by breast cancer a space to connect with each other, ask questions and share advice.

For more information:

View BCNA's new LGBTIQ+ resources