Sexual Minority Women's Coping and Psychological Adjustment after a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Of the sexual minority factors that were considered, sexual orientation group, number of years of sexual minority status, and disclosure of sexual minority status, only sexual orientation group was related to coping and lower distress. Contrary to expectations, disclosure of sexual orientation did not relate to coping and lower distress. The findings support the need for future studies to include different aspects of sexual minority status, in particular, clearly defined sexual orientation groups.

Health-related quality of life in breast cancer survivors of different sexual orientations

“…Given these challenges, the existing studies of sexual minorities are mostly limited to small convenience samples [19][20][21][22][23], with results pointing to a myriad of difficulties. In noncancer populations, research consistently demonstrates sexual minorities' exposure to social stresses, including discrimination and violence, which affects their overall health and well-being [24][25][26].…”

Breast cancer survivorship: the role of perceived discrimination and sexual orientation

“…Some qualitative research suggests that sexual minority women (SMW), or women who partner romantically and in spousal relationships with other women, are at greater risk for less favorable short and long-term outcomes in successful breast cancer survivorship [1, [6][7][8][9]. Potential reasons why SMW have a poorer prognosis for successful survivorship are many, and include such factors as: (1) the influence of perceived discrimination during cancer treatment, (2) the impact of added burden of stress caused by minority status [10][11][12][13]28], and/or (3) the result of living in a heterosexist context that may influence coping resources such as social support and survivor support activities [10][11][12][13]28].…”

Meaningful support for lesbian and bisexual women navigating reproductive cancer care in Canada: An exploratory study

“…Studies within the past ten years exploring both homophobia and heterosexism that exists for lesbian women undergoing cancer treatment provide similar findings (Boehmer et al, 2005;Boehmer & Case, 2004Brown & Tracy, 2008;Dibble et al, 2008;Sinding et al, 2006). Although all participants generally felt that areas where they received cancer care were welcoming, none could provide specific examples of how they were inclusive or welcoming.…”