Abstract B165: Psychosocial support needs of racially diverse sexual and gender diverse cancer survivors: a systematic review and call for more intersectional research
Authors: Fuller John A. 
Published: September 2024

Background: Due to discrimination and marginalization, sexual and gender diverse (SGD) cancer survivors in the U.S. experience inequities across the cancer care continuum, including in prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship care, compared with their cisgender- heterosexual counterparts. Despite calls to reduce cancer inequities among SGD populations, disparities in access to psychosocial support remain persistent, especially for racially diverse SGD cancer survivors. SGD cancer survivors experience minority stressors, which have been linked to higher levels of social isolation, weaker social networks, and poorer mental health outcomes. Purpose: This scoping review critically evaluates the literature on psychosocial support among SGD cancer survivors and describes the cancer-specific psychosocial support needs and experiences of SGD people using an intersectional lens. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL®, Medline/PubMed®, PsycINFO, and SocINDEX. Research articles were retrieved from peer-reviewed, primary research studies and (1) published between 2013 and the present day, (2) available online in full text, and (3) written in English. Articles excluded were not related to the study’s purpose, non-peer-reviewed work such as editorial papers and dissertations, or other literature reviews. The databases and key search terms were identified in consultation with a medical librarian. Criteria for the review process followed PRISMA guidelines. The Covidence Systematic Review Tool was used for record screening, the full-text review was conducted manually, and qualitative analysis was employed to extract themes by one researcher. Results: Our literature search revealed 16 studies that met the review criteria. Of these, 6 were quantitative, 5 were qualitative, and 5 were mixed methods. Themes included (1) recognition and inclusion of unique social networks like chosen families by providers and oncology care systems, (2) barriers to psychosocial support such as identity (non)disclosure and negative assumptions from providers, (3) diverse sources of psychosocial support, comprising family, peers, community, providers, and institutions, (4) support needs may present differently depending on the cancer type, (5) the role of coping mechanisms and resilience strategies to navigate minority stressors, and (6) gaps in understanding the role of intersectionality in psychosocial support. Conclusion: Addressing the structural lack of psychosocial support for SGD people navigating cancer care in the U.S. is critical to reducing health disparities among the population. Future research should prioritize intersectionality and resilience frameworks to better understand the nuanced experiences of SGD cancer survivors and inform targeted interventions that promote holistic well-being and equitable access to care.

Citation Format: John A. Fuller. Psychosocial support needs of racially diverse sexual and gender diverse cancer survivors: a systematic review and call for more intersectional research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B165.