Disparities in the cancer continuum experienced by transgender and gender-diverse patients: A rapid review

Abstract

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) populations experience health disparities across all areas of health care due to issues of bias, discrimination, and structural barriers to care. Existing literature on cancer screening in TGD populations demonstrates significant gaps in care; for example, transgender men receive Pap smears at lower rates than cisgender women. Because of known disparities in cancer screening, and gaps in our understanding in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, the authors conducted a rapid review of the literature to examine cancer care continuum (screening, treatment, and survivorship) disparities among TGD persons. The results reported disparities across the cancer care continuum. Although there is currently limited research on cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, the available evidence indicates TGD patients are diagnosed with cancer at later stages than cisgender patients. TGD patients were also less likely than cisgender patients to receive treatment for some types of cancer. The results of this rapid review demonstrate the need for more research across the cancer care continuum for TGD patients with significant gaps in knowledge for cancer treatment and survivorship.