Disparities in cancer screening and preventive care access among LGBTQ+ populations: A cross-sectional analysis.

Abstract

10515 Background: The incidence and outcomes of certain health conditions, particularly cancers, can vary significantly across different sexual orientation groups, often influenced by disparities in healthcare access and preventive service utilization. Previous research indicates that sexual minorities may face barriers to appropriate healthcare, increasing the importance of understanding how these disparities manifest in preventive health behaviors, such as cancer screenings. This study aims to identify these differences in preventive care among different sexual orientation groups. Methods: The study utilized the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an annual nationwide survey collecting health-related data from approximately 400,000 U.S. adults, as the primary data source. The data was cleaned for missing cases. The study population included respondents who completed the optional Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) module, while excluding those with missing data on key variables such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and cancer screening. Descriptive statistics were generated from the database to characterize the study population and examine distributions across different demographic and health behavior variables. Statistical analyses were performed to assess associations between sexual orientation and various cancer screening behaviors. Results: The final analysis included 278,519 cases, with demographic characteristics presented in Table. Disparities in educational attainment were observed across sexual orientation groups, with straight individuals representing the largest group across all education levels. A significant association was found between sexual orientation and mammogram screening (p=0.001; Fisher's Exact Test), with higher screening rates among straight respondents (851 yes vs. 144 no) compared to gay, bisexual, and other groups. No significant associations were found for cervical cancer screening (p=0.818) or sigmoidoscopy utilization (p=0.818). Mammogram screening varies by sexual orientation, while other preventive practices show uniform utilization across groups. Conclusions: The findings highlight significant disparities in mammogram screening among LGBTQ+ individuals, with no such gaps in cervical cancer screening or sigmoidoscopy. These results call for targeted interventions to enhance mammogram uptake in LGBTQ+ communities. Distribution of sexual orientation groups among different races. Race/Ethnicity Gay Straight (Not Gay) Bisexual Something Else Total White only, Non-Hispanic 4026 191801 6340 3020 205187 Black only, Non-Hispanic 358 19582 571 358 20869 Other race only, Non-Hispanic 337 15483 530 394 16744 Multiracial, Non-Hispanic 175 5978 458 204 6815 Hispanic 604 22044 1028 829 24505 Don’t know/Not sure/Refused 78 4054 98 169 4399 Total 5578 258942 9025 4974 278519