Risk for Chronic Health Conditions Increased for Young LGB Cancer Survivors

Follow Drugslib on

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Dec 4, 2023.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Dec. 4, 2023 -- The risk for chronic health conditions is increased for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) compared with LGB individuals without a history of cancer and heterosexual AYACS, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in Cancer.

Amy M. Berkman, M.D., from the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina, and colleagues examined the extent to which sexual orientation is associated with excess burden of chronic conditions in AYACS. Data were included for 170 LGB AYACS; 1,700 LGB individuals without a history of cancer; and 1,700 heterosexual AYACS.

LGB survivors were less likely than heterosexual survivors to be married and were more likely to have never been married. The researchers found that compared with LGB individuals without a history of cancer and heterosexual survivors, LGB survivors were more likely to have incomes between 100 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level and were less likely to report incomes above 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The odds of chronic health conditions were higher for LGB survivors than LGB individuals without a history of cancer and heterosexual survivors (odds ratios, 2.45 and 2.16, respectively).

"This study highlights significant health disparities that affect the LGB cancer survivor community and points to the need for specialized care and attention for these individuals during and after their cancer treatment to address their heightened risk of chronic health issues," lead author Michael E. Roth, M.D., of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, said in a statement. "This could hopefully lead to more equitable health care for sexual and gender minority populations."

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

Source: HealthDay

Posted : 2023-12-05 00:36

Read more

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords