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ASCO Statement on Care of Sexual and Gender Minorities

J Clin Oncol; ePub 2017 Apr 3; Griggs, et al

The American Society of Clinical Oncology has published a position statement addressing strategies for reducing cancer health disparities among sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations.

The statement makes recommendations in 5 key areas to address the needs of both SGM populations affected by cancer and members of the oncology workforce who identify as SGM:

  • Patient education and support.
  • Workforce development and diversity.
  • Quality improvement strategies.
  • Policy solutions.
  • Research strategies.

ASCO is calling for increased outreach and educational support for SGM patients; increased SGM cultural competency training for providers; improvement of quality-of-care metrics that include sexual orientation and gender information variables; and increased data collection to inform future work addressing the needs of SGM communities.

Citation:

Griggs J, Maingi S, Blinder V, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology position statement: Strategies for reducing cancer health disparities among sexual and gender minority populations. [Published online ahead of print April 3, 2017]. J Clin Oncol. doi:10.1200/JCO.2016.72.0441.