A Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences of Sexual and Gender Minority Survivors of Breast and Ovarian Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: To explore the sexual health experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) survivors of breast or ovarian cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PARTICIPANTS &

SETTING

Five lesbian or bisexual individuals, recruited nationally, participated in semistructured telephone interviews.

METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Data were collected from March to May 2023. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify significant themes in sexual health, healthcare experiences, and cancer survivorship.

FINDINGS: Three themes were identified: (a) a "silent crisis" in health care for queer people with cancer, (b) sexual health as an unaddressed need for sexual minority women, and (c) unacceptable cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants stressed the need for inclusive care addressing SGM-specific issues.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The findings highlight the need for culturally competent nursing practices and education to meet SGM individuals' health needs. Nurses should proactively address SGM-specific sexual health and identity challenges in survivorship care, including partner inclusion and affirming communication.