For Communities
Resources to strengthen LGBTQIA+ inclusive cancer care, policy, and partnerships.
Policy & Advocacy
The Cancer Network leads national efforts to ensure that LGBTQIA+ people are not left behind in cancer care, prevention, or policy.
Our advocacy focuses on systemic change by:
- Protecting access to healthcare and gender-affirming care
- Expanding Medicaid coverage
- Ending discrimination in tobacco product laws
- Strengthening nondiscrimination laws
We work at every level of government to safeguard the rights and health of our communities, pushing back against legislation that limits care and advancing policies that affirm our existence, our data, and our right to equitable treatment.
Research
The Cancer Network is proud to partner with research institutions furthering SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) data collection and studies inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ communities.
The studies featured here have been reviewed by our team and meet our guidelines. In addition, they will expand research, treatments, or policies related to LGBTQIA+ health.
Research Opportunities
Young adult sexual minority women (SMW), including lesbians and bisexuals, are at particularly high risk, with up to 4.8 times increased odds of cigarette smoking than heterosexual women; up to 660,000 young adult SMW smoke and are at increased risks of smoking-related cancers and cardiopulmonary illnesses. Findings from this study will provide the foundation to develop an evidence-based and culturally tailored inoculation approach to increase resilience to tobacco marketing among young adult SMW and that addresses the needs of future adopters and implementers.
The Impact of Digital Storytelling in Young Adult LGBTQIA+ Patients with a Cancer History
Organization
New York Medical College
Purpose
In today’s society, LGBTQ+ stories and experiences are that much more important to share to educate clinicians and researchers how to best care for members of the community. We hope to give a voice to those who often feel as if they are not seen or heard. Our goal is to better understand the facilitators and barriers to creating digital cancer stories created by LGBTQIA+ AYAs with cancer and its clinical utility for outcomes.
Participation Requirements
To be eligible for the study you have to be diagnosed with cancer between ages 15-39 and are currently above the age of 18, and identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Time Commitment
Approximately 60 minutes
Incentive
$20 gift card
Link to study
Contact Lila Pereira, PhD (lpereria2@nymc.ed) to see if you qualify and participate
End date
February 28, 2026
Are you interested in recruiting participants for an LGBTQIA+ health or health-related study?
Before sharing research opportunities with our community, we review them to ensure that they meet our best practices.
Share your research using our Research Interest Form and we will review your study and reach out to you about promoting your research.
