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Cancer survivorship for LGBTIQA+ people

LGBTIQA peopleLGBTIQA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer and questioning and Asexual. LGBTIQA+ cancer survivors and their carers can have unique issues and concerns. You may find these resources and information helpful as you move forward. 

There is also information on the Sex and Intimacy page of the Common Survivorship Issues Directory.  

 

Websites  

 

Fact sheets / Booklets 

 

Webinars 

 

Podcasts 

 

Support Services 

  • Cancer Council 13 11 20. A free telephone service providing information and support to people affected by cancer. Cancer nurses who have undergone specific training manage this service. They ensure that this service is safe and inclusive for LGBTIQA+ people and their carers. 

  • Cancer Connect, Cancer Council. Supplies one-to-one telephone peer support for people affected by cancer. The service supports people who identify as same-sex attracted. It does so by matching you with a trained volunteer who shares similar experiences. 

  • Cancer Council Online Community. An online support service providing peer-based support. The Online Community is a safe space. You can talk about your experiences with cancer. You can also share tips and strategies on how to cope with the cancer. This includes the challenges both during and after cancer treatment. Such challenges can affect you and your family.  

  • Gay Men’s and Bisexual Prostate Cancer Support Group. For more information contact Cancer Council on 13 11 20. 

  • LGBTIQ+ Breast Cancer Network, Breast Care Network Australia. An online peer-to-peer support group for people who identify within the LGBTIQA+ communities and have been affected by breast cancer. Connect with others, share stories or ask for advice. 

  • QLife. A national, free, confidential LGBTIQA+ phone and webchat service. It is open from 3pm to midnight every day of the year. You can talk to a trained LGBTIQA+ community member. They provide peer support, information and referrals, including for people with cancer.

 

Resources and publications for health professionals

 

Clinical services at Peter Mac and the Parkville precinct 

Peter Mac and the Parkville precinct (Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women’s Hospital) are committed to improving outcomes and reducing barriers for optimal cancer care for its culturally and gender diverse communities. You can read more about this on the Peter Mac website and through the Diversity and Inclusion position statement.

The following services are available to patients of Peter Mac, Parkville. Please speak with your oncology team if you are getting treated elsewhere. You may have different clinical service options. 

  • Psychosocial Oncology  (encompassing both Psychiatry and Psychology services).  Psychologists use various approaches to help people with cancer and their families adjust to the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer. Psychiatry is the medical specialty aimed at improving mental health. Psychiatric clinicians have a deep understanding of physical and mental health – and how they affect each other. 

  • Social work services. Social workers can provide counselling and support. They can advocate on behalf of you and the person you’re caring for. They can also offer practical advice and referrals to community services. 

  • Peter Mac Victorian AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) Cancer Service. This service provides support to young people between the ages of 15 and 25 years with cancer, and their families. They work with the medical team to ensure all aspects of a young person’s health and wellbeing are looked after, both during treatment and in the years beyond treatment. 

  • Sexual health and erectile dysfunction clinic. This clinic focuses on managing erectile dysfunction. It is for people who have had surgery following a prostate cancer diagnosis. For more information contact the patient navigator on 03 8559 8496 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The following services are available to patients of Royal Women’s Hospital. 

  • Psychosexual Medicine Clinic. This clinic is run by doctors trained in women’s health and sexuality. It offers individual and couples counselling.

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