We know that the experiences of LGBTQI+ people in cancer care differ from those of cisgender, heterosexual people. Ovacome members have helped us understand the challenges that LGBTQI+ people face throughout their diagnosis and treatment. 

These challenges include a lack of suitable information and support, and healthcare professionals or other patients making incorrect assumptions about sexuality or gender, adding unnecessary stress to the diagnostic and treatment process. 

As a result of our LGBTQI+ focus group we produced a leaflet for healthcare professionals explaining the importance of not making assumptions: 

"When healthcare professionals asked the very simple question 'who have you brought with you today?', this put us at ease straight away."

Many members of our community identify as LGBTQI+ and may not be in heterosexual, cisgender relationships. They have told us how valuable it is when healthcare professionals have helped them feel comfortable to talk about their sexuality and gender.

When you ask and don’t assume, you can make a real difference.

Download leaflet

Order printed copies

.

Enhancing Patient Experience

We offer online education sessions for healthcare professionals to inform your medical practice as you care for those with ovarian cancer.   

Sessions highlight the diversity of patient experience, with particular focus on health inequalities and the barriers to care faced by underrepresented groups. We offer simple but meaningful ways for you to address these inequalities and apply the learning in your everyday practice. We also cover the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and the importance of considering ovarian cancer early on as a possible diagnosis.    

You will hear directly from people affected by ovarian cancer to better understand the patient experience and what you can do to improve ovarian cancer care for all. There will be time for questions and all attendees will be sent follow-up resources summarizing key learnings.    

We offer specific sessions on supporting LGBTQI+ affected by ovarian cancer, co-produced with members of the Ovacome community.

Find out more and book session

.

Other useful resources

Macmillan cancer support: Supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people with cancer - a practical guide for cancer and other healthcare professionals

Marie Curie: Caring for LGBTQ+ people at the end of life

Find out more about how we support healthcare professionals here

.

Related