Addressing inequities in gyne cancer care
This community-led three-year project aims to make gynecological cancer care more inclusive and supportive for trans and gender diverse (TGD) people in Canada. It’s focused on tackling the barriers they face by co-creating solutions that empower patients, educate healthcare providers, and influence policy change.
About the project
Gynecological cancer care can be a difficult and even hostile experience for TGD people.
Many people aren’t offered regular cancer screenings, are diagnosed later, and face worse health outcomes than the general population. Anxiety is higher, information often doesn’t reflect their realities, and many healthcare professionals don’t feel confident in providing affirming care. These issues are worsened by a lack of research highlighting the experiences of TGD individuals.
This collaboration brings together people with lived experience of cancer, Queering Cancer, the health advocacy nonprofit Praxus Health, and healthcare experts from the Sexual and Gender Diversity in Cancer Care program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The work is led by TGD and queer voices, blending personal experience with professional expertise and strong community-based research.
Project goals
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1.
To listen and learn from the stories and strengths of TGD people affected by gynecological cancer.
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2.
To create useful tools and resources for patients, healthcare providers, and policy makers to support better, more inclusive care.
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3.
To build a community of practice where people with lived experience, researchers, and clinicians can share knowledge and drive lasting change.
Partners
This research is funded by a Health Equity Research Grant of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS grant HE-24). We are grateful to our project partners, collaborators, and implementers.
