Inequities in cancer care among transgender people: Recommendations for change

Owing to a shift in social attitudes and human rights standards, health inequities experienced by gender minorities are gaining an increasing spotlight globally. Transgender (trans) is an umbrella term used to describe individuals who have a dissimilar sex, gender identity and/or gender expression than what was designated at birth. Recently, studies have sought to identify health disparities and barriers to care among this population. While oncology-focused research remains limited, the social determinants of trans health elicits a significant impact on transgender people across the cancer continuum and, thus, requires further examination. The purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of trans health inequity in the context of Canadian cancer care highlighting current clinical practice, as well as gaps in research, provider education and health care policy. The paper will conclude with recommendations for policy development and a reflection on the oncology nurse’s role in advocating for change