Supporting LGBTQI+ people as a health professional
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.
Speak to our support line.
Do you have questions about ovarian cancer or your diagnosis?
Our support line is here:
Monday - Friday 10am-5pm.
Call 0808 008 7054 or email support@ovacome.org.uk
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.
During the sessions 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 that recap key learning points.
We offer specific sessions on supporting LGBTQI+ people who are affected by ovarian cancer. These are co-produced with members of the Ovacome community.
Did you find this page helpful?
We welcome your feedback. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email r.grigg@ovacome.org.uk or call 0207 299 6653.
Get support
Ovacome is the UK 's national ovarian cancer support charity. We've been providing emotional support and personalised, expert information since 1996. Contact our support line by phone, email or text if you have questions about a diagnosis, or if you just want to talk things through.
We support anyone affected by ovarian cancer, including family members, carers, those with an inherited risk, and health professionals working in the field.
Ovacome has 50 information booklets on a variety of topics about ovarian cancer.
Become part of the Ovacome community
Our members are at the heart of everything we do. There’s no cost to membership. Be the first to hear about Ovacome news and join a friendly, supportive community, all working together to promote knowledge and support others.
