The American Cancer Society (ACS) has published a controversial study indicating a higher prevalence of cancer risk factors among the LGBTQ+ community, tied to what’s referred to as “minority stress.” These heightened risks are associated mainly with harmful habits such as smoking, obesity, HIV, and lack of proper care related to sex-change operations.
The society’s 2024 Cancer Facts and Figures report highlights what they term a notable caregiving imbalance for those in the LGBTQ+ community, stating, “Perhaps the greatest health disparity faced by LGBTQ+ communities is the presumption-of-care gap.” This refers to the supposition that individuals may face health care denial based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Currently, there are just nine states where providers can legally refuse to perform gender transition procedures for transgender individuals. The ACS report further suggests that LGBTQ+ cancer survivors often suffer worse physical and mental health compared to the general public.
Campaigns for broader access to hormone treatments and sex changes have continued to gain traction within American medical circles. The American Psychological Association (APA), for example, is pushing for unrestricted gender-transitioning therapies for minors. In Britain, however, the National Health Service (NHS) has moved to ban puberty blockers for minors. Government Health Minister Maria Caulfield said, “children’s safety and wellbeing is paramount, so we welcome this landmark decision by the NHS.”
The NHS review, led by Dr. Hilary Cass, followed a surge in children referred to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), run by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, for puberty blockers. Referrals crossed 5,000 in 2021-22, a stark increase from fewer than 250 cases as recently as a decade ago.