National LGBT Cancer Network

It is one of the first programs in the United States that addresses the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) cancer survivors and those at risk and the only one founded and directed by members of the LGBT community.

[2] Lesbians, gay men and transgender men and women experience disparities in availability of health insurance[3] and are considered to be at increased risk for multiple types of cancer, based on behaviors such as high smoking and drinking rates, high fat diet, receptive anal intercourse and positive HIV status.

[4][5] Increased risks are coupled with decreased screening behaviors, resulting in cancers being detected at a later stage when it is more difficult to treat.

Decreased screening is linked to lower insurance rates and perceived homophobia in health care.

[5][6] LGBT people experience extra challenges in cancer survivorship, including acceptance of their families by oncologists and emergency rooms and information about the effect of treatment on sexuality, relationships and fertility.