LGBTQI+ Workstream

The LGBTQI+ community includes people of different gender identity, sexual orientation and sex characteristics, also known with the term SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics). The LGBTQI+ workstream, within the Inequalities Network of the European Cancer Organisation (ECO), convenes experts in healthcare inequities affecting the LGBTQI+ community.

ECO is committed to fostering equality for LGBTQI+ people as they confront a cancer diagnosis.  Research shows this community is already at higher risk for the disease due to their higher rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, and infectious diseases, such as HIV, HepB. The community must also contend with discrimination from the healthcare system and workforce (both direct and indirect, active and passive). This is typically the result of inadequate policies, lack of training and awareness, or blatant animosity towards the community.

These obstacles are largely overlooked in Europe compared to North America, leading to suboptimal resources and outdated policies.

The co-chairs of the LGBTQI+ workstream are Dr Nicolò Battisti (he/him ), president of SIOG, medical oncologist at NHS Royal Mardsen and co-chair of the Inequalities Network, and Stewart O’Callaghan (they/them), founder and CEO of OUTpatients, the only UK-based group dedicated to supporting cancer patients and survivors in the LGBTQI+ community.

ECO is committed to advancing research opportunities, raising awareness, and developing policy solutions to improve cancer care for LGBTQI+ patients.

New Report Identifies Need for Inclusive Cancer Care Policies to Address Specific Healthcare Needs and Inequalities for LGBTQI+ Community

To mark Pride Month 2024, ECO's Inequalities Network released a timely report on reducing disparities in cancer care faced by the LGBTQI+ community. The report, titled ‘Cancer Care for the LGBTQI+ Community: Addressing Inequalities’, is the result of a comprehensive workshop involving clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and LGBTQI+ advocates.

Read more.

Workstream Co-Chairs