Author(s)
Dillon Strepay, BS BA
Sarah M. Russel, MD
Catherine J. Lumley, MD
Affiliation(s)
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill;
Abstract:
Educational Objective: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to understand current knowledge of head and neck cancer inequities that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer patients may face.
Objectives: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) individuals face higher rates of numerous cancers and disproportionate head and neck cancer (HNC) risk due to various historical, social, and economic factors. However, most research into HNC inequities examines disparities as they relate to race/ethnicity, sex, or socioeconomic status with few studies focusing on LGBTQ+ patients. We conducted a scoping review to explore and map the current body of literature on HNC inequities in the LGBTQ+ population.
Study Design: Scoping review.
Methods: Terms related to LGBTQ+ people and HNC were searched in four databases. Studies that 1) discuss prevalence and/or outcomes from HNC; and 2) provide data specifically about LGBTQ+ people or any subset thereof were included. Studies were excluded if they failed to meet both inclusion criteria or if they were commentaries or reviews. Data extraction focused on prevalence and outcomes of HNC in the LGBTQ+ population.
Results: 285 studies underwent title and abstract screening. Of these, 264 were deemed irrelevant and 21 underwent full text review. Ten studies were ultimately included. These suggested an increased prevalence of oral and oropharyngeal cancer in LGBTQ+ patients compared to heterosexual, cisgender counterparts, but some of these disparities disappeared when controlling for substance use or HIV prevalence. Data on outcomes from HNC in this population was notably lacking. No included studies examined inequities in laryngeal cancer.
Conclusions: This scoping review identified possible inequities in prevalence of oral and oropharyngeal cancer among LGBTQ+ patients. However, data on outcomes and other HNC subsites are lacking, highlighting areas for future research.