Challenging the status quo of gendered cancer care

Abstract

LGBTTQIA+ patients are at a higher risk for certain cancers yet access relevant screeningand healthcare less frequently than cis-gendered, heterosexual women. This can be attributed to fears of discrimination, feeling unrepresented, and past experiences of disrespect from healthcare professionals, especially in a gendered healthcare environment. The use of Women’s Clinics in health endorses a viewpoint of binary gender, with an assumption of cis- gendered heteronormativity. As social workers we have responsibilities under the Code of Ethics and Core Competencies to advocate for change and challenge the status quo. We need to take action to improve healthcare experiences for LGBTTQIA+ patients. These include the correct use of inclusive language, changes to the physical environment, and practical changes to how we undertake routine examinations and engage with LGBTTQIA+ patients.