Cancer Screening Gaps Seen in Sexual, Gender Minority Groups - Report - MDSpire
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Cancer Screening Gaps Seen in Sexual, Gender Minority Groups
A large BRFSS analysis points to persistent screening disparities among sexual orientation and gender identity minority respondents, with particularly large gaps in some gender identity minority groups.
Clinical Report: Cancer Screening Gaps Seen in Sexual, Gender Minority Groups
Background
Understanding cancer screening disparities is crucial for improving health outcomes in sexual and gender minority populations. These groups often face barriers to accessing healthcare, which can lead to lower adherence to recommended screening guidelines.
Data Highlights
The study analyzed data from 663,924 unweighted respondents, representing approximately 63.9 million weighted US adults. Key findings include:
Key Findings
Sexual orientation minority women reported lower adherence to cervical (adjusted prevalence ratio 0.92) and breast cancer screening (adjusted prevalence ratio 0.84) compared to heterosexual women.
Colorectal cancer screening adherence did not differ by sexual orientation among women.
Gender identity minority respondents had significantly lower adherence to cervical (adjusted prevalence ratio 0.58) and breast cancer screening (adjusted prevalence ratio 0.24) compared to cisgender respondents.
Among men, sexual orientation minority respondents had a modestly higher adjusted prevalence of colorectal cancer screening adherence compared to heterosexual respondents.
Exploratory analyses indicated lower adherence to colorectal and cervical cancer screening among female-to-male transgender respondents compared to cisgender female respondents.
Approximately 64% of the adherence gap for cervical cancer screening among sexual orientation minority women was explained by sociodemographic and healthcare access factors.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should be aware of the disparities in cancer screening adherence among sexual and gender minority populations.
Conclusion
The study highlights disparities in cancer screening adherence among sexual and gender minority individuals.
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