Pan-European Research Project Launched - Tackling Inequalities in LGBTIQ Cancer Screening and Care
Research suggests that 45% of LGBTIQ individuals in the EU experience difficulties accessing healthcare, with trans women, men, and intersex persons being disproportionately affected (EU FRA, LGBTIQ at a crossroads, 2024). Inadequate training, non-inclusive policies, and the absence of safe spaces compound these challenges.
Against this backdrop, the European Cancer Organisation during the European Cancer Summit launched a new pan-European citizen and patient survey, addressing disparities faced by LGBTIQ individuals in cancer screening and care.
Developed with a multidisciplinary group of experts within ECO’s LGBTIQ workstream – including healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and LGBTIQ civil society representatives – the project will provide robust data and actionable insights on attitudes and key barriers to cancer care among LGBTIQ individuals and inform high-level policy recommendations.
The survey is open to all LGBTIQ individuals living in Europe, including those with a cancer experience, current or past.
Are you an organisation, institution or individual interested in participating in this survey? Please contact us and get involved!
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The research sets out to:
- Develop and disseminate a comprehensive patient and citizen survey to measure disparities in cancer care.
- Generate actionable policy insights on key barriers and attitudes towards cancer care among LGBTIQ individuals.
- Provide fresh data on LGBTIQ-related inequalities in cancer care to enrich the European Cancer Pulse.
- Develop high-level, evidence-based recommendations to advocate for equitable cancer care access for LGBTIQ individuals.
The project is being co-developed with a multidisciplinary expert group of the LGBTIQ workstream, including healthcare professionals, patient advocates, LGBTIQ civil society representatives and other academic experts, steering the project from design to analysis and ensuring a holistic approach to addressing inequalities.
Results are set to be published by Autumn 2025.
Impact and Vision
By placing LGBTIQ voices at the centre, this project seeks to uncover hidden inequalities and offer clear, evidence-based policy solutions. The emphasis on representativeness and comparability ensures the findings will not only highlight disparities but also provide a benchmark for improvement.
Our research project aims to bring Europe one step closer to equitable healthcare for all. Can you join and support us?
