Factors Associated with Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Sexual and Gender Diverse Populations

Uma Nair; Nicole Rios; Taylor Trunzo; Hemangi Patel; Jennifer Kue

doi:10.66815/ajqr/18756

Uma Nair ¹ ^* , Nicole Rios ¹, Taylor Trunzo ¹, Hemangi Patel ¹, Jennifer Kue ¹

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AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 1-19

https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18756

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Abstract

Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, sexual and gender diverse populations (SGD; also known as LGBTQ+) are less likely to be screened for breast and/or cervical cancer. This is despite evidence that sexual minority women (lesbians and bisexuals) and transgender men (who have a cervix) have an increased risk for cervical cancer. Similarly, breast cancer risk is higher in transgender women (on hormone replacement therapy) compared to cisgender men. Unique barriers play a role in low screening rates, and interventions tailored to address these barriers in SGD/LGBTQ+ adults eligible for breast and cervical cancer screenings are imperative for cancer health equity. The study objective was to identify variables (e.g., barriers, facilitators) associated with uptake of breast (mammography) and cervical (Pap test) cancer screenings in SGD populations aged 25-70 years of age. N=13 individuals identifying as part of the SGD community were recruited from a large metropolitan area in the Southern United States. An interview guide using theoretical underpinnings of minority stress model was developed and used to conduct in-depth interviews to systematically identify multi-level factors associated with screening practices. Thematic analysis identified three major themes: barriers, identity-related stress, and facilitators to screening. Limited cancer screening knowledge, low perceived risk, previous negative experiences with gynecological care, trauma, stigma, and identity concealment negatively impacted screening engagement. Affirming and trauma-informed providers and inclusive healthcare environments were facilitators that increased trust to participate in recommended cancer screenings. Results indicate the need to develop and test multi-level trauma-informed interventions for this population.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Cervical cancer, Sexual and Gender Diverse, LBTQ+, Stigma, Minority Stress

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Citation

Nair, U., Rios, N., Trunzo, T., Patel, H., & Kue, J. (2026). Factors Associated with Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Sexual and Gender Diverse Populations. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(4), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18756

Nair, U., Rios, N., Trunzo, T., Patel, H., and Kue, J. (2026). Factors Associated with Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Sexual and Gender Diverse Populations. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(4), pp. 1-19. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18756

Nair U, Rios N, Trunzo T, Patel H, Kue J. Factors Associated with Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Sexual and Gender Diverse Populations. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(4), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18756

Nair, Uma, Nicole Rios, Taylor Trunzo, Hemangi Patel, and Jennifer Kue. "Factors Associated with Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Sexual and Gender Diverse Populations". American Journal of Qualitative Research 2026 10 no. 4 (2026): 1-19. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18756

Nair, Uma et al. "Factors Associated with Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Sexual and Gender Diverse Populations". American Journal of Qualitative Research, vol. 10, no. 4, 2026, pp. 1-19. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18756

Nair U, Rios N, Trunzo T, Patel H, Kue J. Factors Associated with Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Sexual and Gender Diverse Populations. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(4):1-19. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18756