Experiences and challenges of sexual and gender minority patients undergoing breast cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND

This survey study sought to characterize the experiences and treatments of sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

The WhySurg survey was modified to focus on SGM patients and distributed via social media, support groups, and clinic flyers between 2023 and 2024. SGM individuals, age ≥18, and a history of breast cancer were eligible. Descriptive and reflexive thematic analyses were performed.

RESULTS

50 individuals responded, with 31 (62%) completing it. Most (77%) were cisgender women, 16% nonbinary, and 3% transgender man. Most (58%) were lesbian/gay/homosexual, while 23% were bisexual, 13% pansexual, 13% queer, 3% asexual, 1 heterosexual, and 1 other. 29% experienced discrimination related to their SGM identity during treatment. Three themes emerged: 1) SGM identity influenced surgical choice, 2) respondents were reluctant to share SGM identity, and 3) appropriate surgical expectations are key to optimize gender-affirming patient-centered outcomes.

CONCLUSION

SGM data is essential to ensure patient-centered surgical decision-making.