Can we talk about the facts?
As your friendly neighbourhood LGBTQ+ health organisation, there’s nothing we love more than a bit of research to back up the stuff we love to share. From cancer screening rates to modifiable risk factors, everything we say and do at Can We is backed up by leading researchers, scientists and other important people with clipboards
Here you’ll find LGBTQ+ research around cancer screening and prevention.
Alcohol-related behaviours, beliefs, and knowledge regarding cancer risk related to alcohol in the New South Wales LGBTQ+ community
People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other diverse gender and sexual identities (LGBTQ+) are a priority for cancer control because of interactions with cancer risk factors and lower participation in cancer screening and services. There is also limited sexuality and gender inclusive data concerning lifestyle behaviours that contribute to cancer risk among people who identify as LGBTQ+.
The Study Of Drinking and health Among LGBTQ+ people (SODA+) is a cross-sectional survey of sexuality and/or gender diverse adults who reside in New South Wales (NSW). Over a 4-week period from November to December 2022, participants were recruited via social media advertisements and word-of-mouth to complete an online questionnaire. The results of this study are not representative of all LGBTQ+ adults in NSW.
Perceptions of risky alcohol use, health risks related
to alcohol and alcohol-related help-seeking in the
LGBTQ+ community
In our recent survey of LGBTQ+ adults in NSW, we found that 66% of 1,499 participants were aware that alcohol use is related to cancer risk, but only 33% were able to name cancer as a risk of consuming alcohol without being prompted.
SWASH Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer Women’s Health Survey 2016, 2018, 2020
The SWASH survey is a comprehensive survey of important health issues relevant to lesbian, bisexual, queer and other non-heterosexual identifying women engaged with Sydney’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) communities.
SWASH provides a much-needed local evidence base to inform policy and best practice in healthcare and prevention for chronic diseases including cancer, mental health and wellbeing, sexual and reproductive health, and ageing.
SWASH has been run by researchers in collaboration with ACON every two years since 1996, and since 2009 has been run by researchers at the University of Sydney.
Evidence Brief: People Living with HIV and Smoking (2023)
This paper provides a comprehensive definition of tobacco harm reduction, highlights the ongoing harm caused by tobacco smoke exposure, and discusses some of the controversies surrounding vaping. Additionally, the paper advocates for a health promotion work that is community-led and tailored to People Living with HIV.
* Polek C, Hardie T. Cancer Screening and Prevention in Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, and Transgendered Community and Asian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Members. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs. 2019; 7(1):6-11.
** Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2020. Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in Australia. Cat. no. PHE 221. Canberra: AIHW. Viewed 18 June 2021, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alcohol/alcohol-tobacco-other-drugs-australia
*** Hammoud M, et al. (2016). Flux: Following Lives Undergoing Change, Gay community life, drug use, and taking care of ourselves and each other, Report 2014-15. Monograph, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney Australia; Mooney-Somers J, et al. (2018). Women in contact with the Sydney LGBTQ communities: Report of the SWASH Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer Women’s Health Survey 2014, 2016, 2018. Sydney: Sydney Health Ethics, University of Sydney.