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Key Informants Discuss Cancer Care Research for Trans and Gender Diverse People

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Abstract

The aim was to explore issues in relation to accessing cancer care for the Australian trans and gender diverse community through key informant interviews to inform a larger study on the topic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants who either had clinical and/or research experience with trans and gender diverse populations or were members of the community who act as advocates (total n = 14). Participants had diverse genders, including three transwomen, one transman, three non-binary people, six cis woman and one cis man. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. Four themes were identified in the data: ‘More Important Issues’ than Cancer Concern, Experiences of Cancer Care, Barriers to Cancer Care and (Potential) Facilitating Factors to Access Cancer Care. The findings show the inconsistencies in awareness of cancer in the trans and gender diverse population, both within the community itself and in healthcare. There are issues concerning underutilization of screening services, healthcare workers lacking knowledge and an invisibility within organizations and systems. Education is needed in cancer care, as are partnerships with community organizations, inclusive policies, improved data collection on gender, targeted health promotion and research.

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Funding

This study was supported by a trans and gender diverse reference group and was approved by La Trobe University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HEC18034).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia

    Lucille Kerr & Christopher M. Fisher

  2. Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia

    Tiffany Jones

Authors
  1. Lucille Kerr
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  2. Christopher M. Fisher
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  3. Tiffany Jones
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lucille Kerr.

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Findings from the key informant interviews were presented at the LGBTIQ Women’s Health Conference in Melbourne, Australia, 12–13 July, 2018.

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Kerr, L., Fisher, C.M. & Jones, T. Key Informants Discuss Cancer Care Research for Trans and Gender Diverse People. J Canc Educ 36, 741–746 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-020-01697-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-020-01697-2

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