Barriers to Cancer Help-Seeking in Sexual and Gender Minorities in the UK: An Intersectional Population-Based Analysis

Background

Sexual and gender minority populations (SGM) experience inequalities in cancer outcomes and worse healthcare experiences than non-SGM in the UK. There is limited understanding about what deters SGM from seeking medical help after noticing potential cancer symptoms. We investigated whether SGM individuals report higher barriers to help-seeking than non-SGM, and whether these barriers are amplified by intersecting sociodemographic factors.

Methods

Population-based secondary data analysis, using the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM+) survey (N=3,896). Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression, using interaction terms to examine intersectionality across sociodemographic factors.

Results

SGM individuals reported higher barriers to help-seeking compared with non-SGM individuals. They were twice as likely to: worry that symptoms would not be taken seriously (OR=2.06, 95% CI:1.58-2.69), lack confidence discussing symptoms (OR=1.81, 95% CI:1.26-2.61), and worry about putting extra strain on health services (OR=1.96, 95% CI:1.49-2.60). Intersectional analyses showed that these disparities were amplified among SGM with lower socioeconomic status, minority ethnic backgrounds, and 55+ year-olds, often reversing the direction of association observed without intersectionality assessment.

Conclusions

SGM populations report elevated emotional barriers to help-seeking, particularly when compounded by additional sociodemographic disadvantage. These findings highlight the need for intersectionality informed interventions to improve early cancer diagnosis among SGM populations.