Cancer Research UK and LGBTQIA+ Pride
We’re proud to support, be part of and raise awareness for the LGBTQIA+ community
We’re tackling cancer inequalities so everyone can live longer, better lives.
We’re creating an inclusive organisation for our people from the shop floor to the lab to make the greatest progress in our collective fight against cancer.
Together we are beating cancer. And beating cancer means beating it for everyone.
Cancer inequalities and LGBTQIA+
We want equal access to cancer care for everyone. But right now, the LGBTQIA+ community experience inequalities throughout their cancer journey from access to screening and diagnosis, clinical care, communication and overall experience.
Improving cancer care for the LGBTQIA+ community
In 2021, the Joint Collegiate Council for Oncology and the Association of Cancer Physicians produced a statement on how to improve cancer care for the LGBTQIA+ community. We talked to the lead author of the statement, Dr Alison Berner, a cancer doctor and gender identity specialist, about how we can improve cancer care for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Taking on the inequalities in LGBTQIA+ cancer care
In 2023, we’ve gathered the ways UK organisations are tackling LGBTQIA+ inequalities through training doctors in inclusive cancer care, offering specialist care for trans people, personalising care and gathering missing cancer data because we can’t solve the problems we can’t see.
“By focusing on all the minorities, “you get the majority.” Dr Alison Berner, cancer doctor and gender identity specialist.
How can we improve LGBTQIA+ cancer care? – That Cancer Conversation
For our podcast That Cancer Conversation, we spoke to Dr Alison Berner and CEO of the LGBTQIA+ cancer charity OUTpatients (formerly Live Through This), Stewart O’Callaghan. Recorded in 2023, we dive into inequalities and what we can do to make cancer care more inclusive for everyone.
Transgender and non-binary people and cancer screening
Cancer screening can find cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful, or even prevent it from developing in the first place. Transgender and non-binary people may face additional barriers to attending screenings including not getting invites, confusion over who’s eligible and gender dysphoria. We want to try to remove barriers so that everyone has the choice to attend.
I’m trans or non-binary, does this affect my cancer screening?
Help spot cancer early with cervical, breast and bowel screening for transgender or non-binary people.
Research shows one size doesn’t fit all for cervical screening in the trans and non-binary community
Cervical screening is for anyone aged 25–64 with a cervix. Learn more about removing barriers to cervical screening in the trans and non-binary community.
Pride all year round at Cancer Research UK
We don’t just celebrate Pride once a year, we celebrate it every day. Discover how we’re championing the LGBTQIA+ community beyond Pride month.
Our equality, diversity and inclusion strategy
We believe that having equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at the heart of our work is the best way to beat cancer. Creating a diverse workforce and inclusive culture which supports people to reach their full potential is an important priority for us.
Pride events
Celebrate Pride with us! Join us at different events across the country.
We hope to see you there!
Pride staff network
Our Pride network is for all LGBTQIA+ staff and allies. We meet to discuss progress, new challenges and interesting topics related to our communities within and outside the charity. Across the year, we put on a range of educational and awareness raising events for all staff and organise Cancer Research UK at the Pride in London parade.
Volunteering with Pride to beat cancer
Brett Hadley is a volunteer at our Rotherham store and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
A few days ago was my seven-year anniversary with Cancer Research UK shops. Thousands of hours, a Shop Volunteer of the Year award and an actual cancer diagnosis (and recovery) later, and here I am! Still devoted and volunteering several days a week. Here’s to the next seven years!
– Brett, 2023.
We’re thrilled Brett joined us to celebrate Pride in London 2023.
LGBTQIA+ in cancer research
Inclusivity is vital to achieving our goal of beating cancer and we’re proud to support and work along side the LGBTQIA+ community in our work.
Let’s talk about LGBTQIA+ in cancer research
We’re pleased to have world-leading cancer researchers from the LGBTQIA+ community working to beat cancer. Watch our scientists share their experience and expertise on LGBTQIA+ issues and cancer research.
Pride in STEM
Our LGBTQIA+ researchers are making more tomorrows possible. Hear from of our scientists on the power of diversity and why bringing your full self to research is so important.
Taking pride in our LGBTQIA+ researchers
I think one thing that we need more than ever is to show young people thinking about coming into science that there are lots of LGBTQIA+ scientists and allies that are always happy to offer advice and support you. You are not alone in your scientific journey.
Dr Amy Tibbo, Research Associate at the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research
We’re here for you
Nurse helpline
We know it can be hard to talk about cancer or your health, but we’re here for anyone who needs us. Our trained nurses offer free, confidential, non-judgemental support for everyone, Monday – Friday 9am–5pm.
Cancer Chat
Our fully moderated Cancer Chat forum is a safe space for you to connect to others in your cancer community and get support.
Mental health resources
OUTpatients (formerly Live Through This) are an organisation who support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ people affected by cancer. Their goal is to help patients, survivors, partners and caregivers feel welcome and supported in cancer services.
From our shop
With our online shop, every purchase supports life-saving research. And we have a fantastic selection of Pride rainbow items to choose from.
Donate
It's thanks to the generosity of our supporters that we can continue to make progress for all people affected by cancer. And it’s working, over the last 50 years, we’ve doubled cancer survival in the UK.
Volunteer
Our volunteers are at the heart of our communities. From shops to events to volunteers, find the right opportunity to get involved, learn new skills and help beat cancer.