Incorporating routine collection of gender identity and sexual orientation data in cancer clinical trials is essential to improving equity in cancer care. This information enables researchers and clinicians to identify and better understand disparities in cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality among gender and sexuality diverse populations. It also supports evaluation of treatment outcomes across these groups and facilitates accurate documentation in medical records — all of which are key to developing tailored, evidence-based interventions that promote equitable healthcare delivery.
Despite these clear benefits, research indicates that many healthcare providers do not routinely collect data on gender identity or sexual orientation (Dahan et al., 2008; Durso & Meyer, 2013; Quinn et al., 2015). Structural aspects of clinical trial design can further exclude diverse populations. Trials often prioritise narrowly defined, homogenous cohorts to minimise variance, inadvertently limiting inclusion (Cherubini et al., 2011). In addition, recruitment pressures — including funder expectations for rapid participant enrolment — can result in the overrepresentation of easily accessible groups, reinforcing existing disparities (Quay et al., 2017).
Download template for collecting LGBTQ+ data using the ABS standard.