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The cancer care experiences of gay, lesbian and bisexual patients: A secondary analysis of data from the UK Cancer Patient Experience Survey
Author(s) -
HulbertWilliams N. J.,
Plumpton C.O.,
Flowers P.,
McHugh R.,
Neal R.D.,
Semlyen J.,
Storey L.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.12670
Subject(s) - lesbian , sexual orientation , medicine , heteronormativity , health care , population , isolation (microbiology) , logistic regression , family medicine , human sexuality , psychology , social psychology , gender studies , environmental health , sociology , economics , psychoanalysis , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , economic growth
Understanding the effects of population diversity on cancer‐related experiences is a priority in oncology care. Previous research demonstrates inequalities arising from variation in age, gender and ethnicity. Inequalities and sexual orientation remain underexplored. Here, we report, for the first time in the UK , a quantitative secondary analysis of the 2013 UK National Cancer Patient Experience Survey which contains 70 questions on specific aspects of care, and six on overall care experiences. 68,737 individuals responded, of whom 0.8% identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual. Controlling for age, gender and concurrent mental health comorbidity, logistic regression models applying post‐estimate probability Wald tests explored response differences between heterosexual, bisexual and lesbian/gay respondents. Significant differences were found for 16 questions relating to: (1) a lack of patient‐centred care and involvement in decision‐making, (2) a need for health professional training and revision of information resources to negate the effects of heteronormativity and (3) evidence of substantial social isolation through cancer. These findings suggest a pattern of inequality, with less positive cancer experiences reported by lesbian, gay and (especially) bisexual respondents. Poor patient–professional communication and heteronormativity in the healthcare setting potentially explain many of the differences found. Social isolation is problematic for this group and warrants further exploration.