Learn about coming out to your cancer care team and how it can improve your treatment and support options.
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Overview
At the time of diagnosis, you may not have told others you’re LGBTIQA+, or you may have shared this with some people but not others. Some people want to share personal information with their cancer care team, while others feel it’s not relevant or fear discrimination. Some may not have a choice because information is linked to
their diagnosis or treatment, or is already in their medical records.
It can be hard to talk to your cancer care team about your sexual or gender, whether you’re out or not. But sharing this information can help you discuss your needs, preferences and values. It also helps your team recommend appropriate treatments, provide relevant information and connect you with LGBTIQA+ support groups.
Repeated disclosure during treatment
During treatment, you’ll see many health professionals and may have to explain your situation several times. You may need to decide whether to share information with each professional you meet.
This can feel stressful and tiring, especially if you’re unsure how someone will react. Inviting people in is a process; it’s okay to take it one step at a time.
Sharing personal information with your cancer care team
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When you may not have a choice
Sometimes it may be medically necessary to share information with your cancer care team, so they have the information they need to make a diagnosis or recommend treatment. This could include which reproductive organs you were born with, whether you have an intersex variation, or whether any sex characteristics have changed over your life.
People with an intersex variation may not have a choice about how much to reveal to their cancer care team if these details are listed on their medical records or in diagnostic reports. This can be upsetting. You may want to share your preferred terms for body parts and discuss how your intersex variation may affect your cancer care.
You can work with your doctors and treatment team to ensure your information is shared and discussed with respect, and that you are not outed or discriminated against.
What if I’m not out?
You may not be out to all your family and friends, and may not want your cancer care team to share personal information with others.
If you decide to share information about your sexual orientation, gender or intersex variation with your cancer care team, it may be reassuring to know that health professionals are only permitted to collect, disclose and use your health information with your consent or as legally permitted (e.g. to support your treatment).
If you’re worried, talk to your healthcare team.
Coming out over and over again, because of multiple doctors and specialists, is hard.
LAURIE (QUEER, COLORECTAL AND OVARIAN CANCER)
→ READ MORE: How to come out to your health professionals
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Key resource
The information on this page is also available for download.
This resource was developed as part of the Western Sydney University Out with Cancer research project.
Prof Alison Brand, Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney and Director, Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Dr Daniel Brown, Clinical Psychologist and Researcher, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, VIC; Dr Rosalie Power, Senior Research Fellow and Deputy HDR Director, Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, NSW; Dr Sarah Bishop Browne, Palliative and Supportive Care Staff Specialist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Collette Butler, Clinical Nurse Consultant and McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Cancer Support Centre, Launceston, TAS; Prof Ada Cheung, Endocrinologist, NHMRC and Dame Kate Campbell Research Fellow and Head, Trans Health Research Group, The University of Melbourne, VIC; Dr Tiffany Daly, Radiation Oncologist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Raymond Terrace, QLD; A/Prof Ian Faragher, The University of Melbourne and Head, Colorectal and General Surgery Unit, Western Health, VIC; Hall & Wilcox (law firm); A/Prof Peter Heathcote, Urologist, Brisbane Urology Clinic, QLD; Prof Richard Hillman, Senior Staff Specialist, HIV and Immunology, St Vincent’s Health Network, Sydney, NSW; Mads Kennedy, Project Coordinator, Silver Rainbow, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, NSW; Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Breast Cancer Medical Oncologist and Clinician Scientist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Madeline Lee, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Luke Mitchell, Urological and Sexual Health Nurse Practitioner, Men’s Health Melbourne, VIC; Nadia Reddish, Consumer; Dr Stephen Rowles, Sexual Health Physician and General Practitioner, The Centre Clinic and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, VIC; Teresa Simpson, Senior Clinician, Psycho-Oncology Social Work Service, Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, NSW; Mel Tume, Consumer; Prof Jane Ussher, Professor of Women’s Health Psychology and Chief Investigator, Out with Cancer Study, Western Sydney University, NSW; Syr Lumi Vor, Community Member; John Wenborn, Shine a Light (LGBTQIA+ Cancer Support Group). We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who worked on the first the edition of this title. We particularly acknowledge ACON and Intersex Human Rights Australia for their extensive input on the first edition. Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag designed by Valentino Vecchietti (2021).
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
