The support that partners or caregivers provide sexual minority women who have cancer: A systematic review

Thompson, Tess; Heiden‐Rootes, Katie; Joseph, Miriam; Gilmore, L Anne; Johnson, La Shaune; Proulx, Christine M.; Albright, Emily L.; Brown, María; McElroy, Jane A.

doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113214

Cited by 19 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 90 publications

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“…Many of the influential findings related to social support in cancer and caregiving populations draw from research conducted with mostly white, heterosexual, cisgender, middle-aged, and older adults (8,46). And while dyadic social support and cancer research expands beyond the individual perspective, it still largely ignores the possibility that other kinds of social relationships may be just as critical to supporting survivors and care partners as traditional spousal and kin relationships (47). Existing research also ignores the reality that for many groups, social support and caregiving are not centered in spouse/partner or biological parent/child dyads, but distributed across social networks comprising an array of members who may be more or less demographically and developmentally diverse (48).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Social Support Networks and Interactions of Young Adult and LGBTQIA+ Cancer Survivors and Care Partners

et al. 2022

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PurposeThe purpose of this study was to describe the social support networks and daily support interactions of cancer-affected individuals, including young adult (YA) and LGBTQIA+ survivors and care partners.MethodsParticipants were recruited at two United States cancer centers and via social media for a pilot study testing a novel online method for collecting prospective, daily social support interaction data (N=28). All participants were aged 18+; survivors had a current or recent cancer diagnosis and were engaged in treatment and/or services; care partners were identified by the survivors. Enrollment also purposefully targeted YA and LGBTQIA+ survivors. Social network data (up to 10 members) were assessed at baseline. Daily online surveys assessed support interactions between participants and specific network members over 14 days. Descriptive statistics summarized data and explored between-group (YA/non-YA, LGBTQIA+/non-LGBTQIA+) differences in social network characteristics (size, heterogeneity, density, centralization, cohesion) and support interactions (support source and type).ResultsThere were no significant differences between YA and non-YA participants on any measures. LGBTQIA+ participants’ support networks were less dense (Mdn=0.69 vs. 0.82, p=.02), less cohesive (Mdn=0.85 vs. 0.91,.02), more centered on the participant (Mdn=0.40 vs. 0.24, p=.047), and included more LGBTQIA+ members (Mdn=0.35 vs. 0.00, p<.001). LGBTQIA+ participants reported having more interactions with LGBTQIA+ network members (Mdn=14.0 vs. Mdn=0.00, p<.001) and received significantly more of all types of support from LGBTQIA+ vs. non-LGBTQIA+ members. LGBTQIA+ participants also reported receiving more appraisal support than non-LGBTQIA+ (Mdn 21.64 vs. 9.12, p=.008) including more appraisal support from relatives (Mdn=11.73 vs 6.0, p+.037).ConclusionsImportant information related to support access, engagement, and needs is embedded within the everyday contexts of the social networks of cancer-affected people. Individualized, accessible, and prospective assessment could help illuminate how their “real world” support systems are working and identify specific strengths and unmet needs. These insights would inform the development of more culturally competent and tailored interventions to help people understand and leverage their unique support systems. This is particularly critical for groups like YA and LGBTQIA+ survivors and care partners that are underserved by formal support services and underrepresented in cancer, caregiving, and social support research.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Social Support Networks and Interactions of Young Adult and LGBTQIA+ Cancer Survivors and Care Partners

et al. 2022

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“…However, no intervention studies for caregivers of sexual minority female survivors or their dyadic relationships were included in the most recent systematic review. [26] The lack of availability of caregiver interventions for lesbian/bisexual women can be extrapolated to the rest of the LGBTQ + population, given that there are very few LGBTQ + specific caregiver interventions. [27•] However, one recent study describes community-based methods for adapting existing caregiver interventions for LGBTQ + caregivers and provides a guide and next steps to addressing LGBTQ + caregiver disparities via intervention-a crucial gap in the literature.…”

Section: Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer + (Lgbtq +) Communitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Inequities Among Cancer Caregivers with Diverse Identities: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions

et al. 2023

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Purpose of ReviewThe number of older adults with cancer relying on support from caregivers continues to increase. Health disparities in older adults with cancer often extend to their caregivers. This review aims to assess the state of cancer caregiving research in historically underrepresented diverse populations and provide recommendations for future research and policy. Recent Findings Research on caregivers of older adults with cancer from diverse backgrounds has primarily been descriptive. Health disparities for historically underrepresented caregivers (LGBTQ + , BIPOC, rural, young adults, youth) exist across several dimensions (e.g., financial, mental, and physical health, and access to caregiver support). Few published studies have closely examined the unique experiences of these caregivers nor provided culturally appropriate tailored interventions. Summary Health equity research within caregiving populations is in its infancy. Priorities for future work should focus on identifying modifiable targets for intervention, changing systems-level processes in acknowledging and supporting caregivers, and creating policies that reduce financial inequities of caregiving.

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“…While social support appears to be significantly associated with cancer progression and outcome, especially for female patients with breast cancer, little is known about the supportive relationships in SMW [6]. Findings from studies on married, heterosexual couples have suggested a link to earlier breast cancer diagnosis and decreased rates of breast cancer-related mortality [7]. However, it is unclear whether these findings in heterosexual women can be generalized to SMW.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As the number of cancer survivors and caregivers continues to grow, it is increasingly important to understand the nuances that may exist along a variety of dimensions, including sexual orientation [7]. The purpose of this study was to examine straight and lesbian women breast cancer survivors' perceptions of their cancer care and current supportive resources.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparing Breast Cancer Experiences and Quality of Life between Lesbian and Heterosexual Women

Borowczak

Lee

Weidenbaum

et al. 2021

Cancers

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Background: While breast cancer among women in general has been well studied, little is known about breast cancer in sexual minority women (SMW). Aside from being at an increased risk for development of, and mortality from, breast cancer compared to their heterosexual counterparts, there is a growing collection of literature that suggests that SMW experience breast cancer differently to heterosexual women. Methods: Qualitative study of both straight and lesbian women with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Focus groups were conducted to assess straight and SMW experiences pertaining to perceived barriers, resources/support from partners as well as attitudes pertaining to breast reconstruction. Results: A sample of 15 participants (10 straight and 5 lesbian women) were included in the present study. Focus group themes focused on support, wishes for support, satisfaction with inclusion of partner, fear, perceived discrimination, quality of life, body image, treatment delay, financial concern, frustration with the system, reconstruction, access to information, and attitudes towards cancer diagnosis. A majority of women in both groups chose to undergo breast reconstruction. Conclusion: In our study, SMW experienced their breast cancer treatment through a uniquely supportive and positive lens, often with higher relationship satisfaction and better self-image when compared to straight women.

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The support that partners or caregivers provide sexual minority women who have cancer: A systematic review

Cited by 19 publications

References 90 publications

Exploring Social Support Networks and Interactions of Young Adult and LGBTQIA+ Cancer Survivors and Care Partners

Exploring Social Support Networks and Interactions of Young Adult and LGBTQIA+ Cancer Survivors and Care Partners

Inequities Among Cancer Caregivers with Diverse Identities: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions

Comparing Breast Cancer Experiences and Quality of Life between Lesbian and Heterosexual Women

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