On the 2nd of November, we delivered our fifth annual LGBTIQ+ Cancer Conference, exploring the theme ‘From Awareness to Action’. The conference brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient advocates from all backgrounds with a shared goal: to advance equitable care for the LGBTIQ+ community in cancer care.
The day began with a warm welcome from our CEO and Founder, Stewart O’Callaghan, and updates on what OUTpatients has been up to since the last conference. This was followed by empowering statements from the sponsors, NHSE LGBT Team and Macmillan Cancer Support, addressing the need to support such platforms to showcase the exceptional projects and lived experiences of our community.
This set the tone for an empowering day across multiple themes including ‘Patient Centred Research’, ‘International Work’, and ‘Connecting the Personal to the Professional’. From community projects like ‘Trans Aware Cancer Care’ and ‘Menopause through a different lens’, to ‘Diagnostic testing barriers faced by transgender people’ and ‘Assessing disparities affecting LGBTIQ people in cancer across Europe’ – each talk underscored the urgency of change within our healthcare systems. The fireside session on autism and cancer resonated strongly with the attendees, sparking heartfelt discussions and offered practical ways for HCPs to provide more inclusive care.
A recurring theme in the attendees’ feedback was how this conference not only provided essential resources but also served as a reminder of the innovative work being undertaken in LGBTIQ+ cancer research.
These reflections reinforce our belief in the importance of creating intersectional spaces that inspire attendees to bring their newfound insights back to their organisations.
Looking forward, our commitment to healthcare equity remains unwavering. This conference is just another milestone in a larger conversation to close the gaps in LGBTIQ+ cancer care. We envision a future where every individual can access compassionate, personalised, and comprehensive care. Together, we can make this vision a reality by fostering understanding, pushing for policy change, and LGBTIQ+ informed education and awareness campaigns.
We extend our gratitude to every attendee, speaker, volunteer, and partner who made this event possible. Your dedication and passionate participation bring us closer to a world where healthcare is a safer space for all. Here’s to continuing the journey together—until every LGBTIQ+ cancer patient feels seen, supported, and valued.
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If you want to request an educational session with us, fill out this form. To get involved and volunteer with us, reach out to our Volunteering Lead, Jawadat Bashorun.
If you have any partnership opportunities that you want us to explore together, give a shout to our Engagement Lead, Raktim Das. To hear more about what we’re getting up to and sector updates, sign up to our monthly newsletter.
