Being treated for cancer when you're LGBTQI+

I was treated for head and neck cancer back in 2020 (radiation and chemotheraoy), then again in 2021-2023 (immunotherapy) when my cancer had metastisized. I'm also gay and non-binary, with my partner my carer for the first bout of treatment in 2020.

Overall, I/we had a great amount of acceptance, especially by the oncologists and radiotherapy team. I had more difficulty though with some of the nurses, and food-serving assistants. It was frequently assumed that I was married to a woman, even when my partner was present on the ward with me while I was having treatment. On one occasion there was a bit of hostility which I found a bit upsetting, but to be honest I just wanted to finish my chemo and get out of the ward.

Worry

I often worry whether healthcare environments are safe and inclusive. Although I have not had cancer, I’ve seen how LGBTQ+ friends feel invisible in clinical settings—forms don’t reflect their feelings and some services aren’t tailored to their needs. This highlights the need for inclusive cancer care that affirms identity and offers respectful support.Araya Gautam

Feeling good about my partner's inclusion

My experience of the Royal Marsden in Sutton, as an out-patient following a lobectomy for lung cancer at St George's has been positively positive!At all stages, before and following my surgery: chemo sessions / regular post-treatment checks / now monitoring (scans and bloods) whilst on a longer-term suppressant drug, has been my male partner of 33 years been welcomed to support me whether by presence at diagnosis, surgery, initial chemo treatment / and, throughout, by sitting in on Consultant sessions or meeting with other members of the Team - being able to dialogue with the 'experts'.It's all good news from…

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