LIVESTRONG Blog

Coming Out with Cancer

Mar 30, 2011 by Brooke McMillan
6 Comments

There are currently 12 million cancer survivors in the United States and of those 1 million are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgendered (LGBT). This week is LGBT Health Awareness Week and because the LGBT community is considered an underserved population, we have created special services to address the challenges that they may face.

Studies show that the LGBT community is at a higher risk for cancer due to higher rates of smoking, obesity, alcohol and drug use. They are also less likely to have insurance, have lower incomes and be less likely to share their sexual orientation to their health care providers. LIVESTRONG is here to serve all people affected by cancer. Below is a video message from our Executive Vice President of Mission who is also a gay man and melanoma survivor, Andy Miller, discussing why the LGBT community needs specialized services and how LIVESTRONG fills that gap.

LIVESTRONG Support Services:
Online: www.livestrong.org/gethelp
By Phone: 1-855-220-7777
In Person: 2201 E. 6th, Austin, TX 78702

Download the LIVESTRONG Brochure “Coming Out With Cancer”

Janine

I was out but now want to crawl back in the closet lest someone think I got cancer because I’m a fat, dope smoking, alcoholic lesbian on welfare! I prefer the other stereotype that gay people are hip and rich.
- http://livestrong.org Brooke McMillan (LIVESTRONG Staff)
  
  Janine- It is a statistic, not a stereotype. We offer support to all people affected by cancer and have support for many underserved populations including African Americans, Young Adults, Pacific Islanders, Appalachian communities and more. Check out: http://www.livestrong.org/brochures for all the groups for which we have targeted materials.
Diane W

I want to tell all the LGBT public, as a registered nurse. I would caution about telling your nurse, or physican that you are gay. Nurses,(women) are gossip queens, and will rumor your stories to other nurses. I have experienced it first hand as a patient, not all nurses are ignorant, but the majority bully co-workers into their drama stories about gays. Please check out the Workplace Bullying Institute. We are working now to pass the Healthy Workplace Bill, in New York. We need to stay together, and fight igorant, narrow closed minded nurses, and people.
- http://livestrong.org Brooke McMillan (LIVESTRONG Staff)
  
  It is very important to disclose information with your medical team. What you are talking about isn’t the norm. Better to share important information. If you feel uncomfortable with certain employees in the office, speak with the doctor or locate another physician. If you need help figuring out how to address the situation or want to learn how to locate an alternate healthcare team call us. We can help. 1-855-220-7777.
http://Facebook jake reece

I am a 32yr old male who’s Mom is going through Cancer and i would like to know if there is anything that i can do as far as going to Support Groups or getting into a Cancer Support Mentor program?
- http://livestrong.org Brooke McMillan (LIVESTRONG Staff)
  
  Jake- yes! Give us a call today and we can find out where you are and what would be the best fit. Call us: 1-855-220-7777 or go online: http://bit.ly/lsform

Coming Out with Cancer

Mar 30, 2011 by Brooke McMillan6 Comments

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Mar 30, 2011 by Brooke McMillan
6 Comments