THRI researchers awarded an ARC Linkage Grant

Prof Jane Ussher (opens in a new window), Prof Janette Perz (opens in a new window), Dr Chloe Parton and Prof Kerry Robinson (opens in a new window) have recently been awarded a prestigious Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project grant for 'Out with Cancer: LGBTI experiences of cancer survivorship and care'. This study aims to gain a better understanding of how cancer is experienced within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities.

Professor Ussher says ‘Out with Cancer’ aims to understand the experiences and concerns of cancer survivors and carers within LGBTI communities.

“Sexual and gender minorities are an underserved population in cancer care,” says Professor Ussher.

“LGBTI people are more likely to be single; and less likely to have an intimate partner at home who can offer ongoing care and support. They also tend to have lower levels of family support, and more difficulty in accessing general health care or cancer services.”

Cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on anyone’s emotional wellbeing, sexual health and quality of life. However, existing research suggests that LGBTI communities experience significantly higher levels of psychological distress, depression and anxiety.

Professor Ussher will work with a team of researchers from THRI, the School of Medicine and the Social Sciences and Psychology at Western, in partnership with UNSW, Griffith, Monash, La Trobe and Melbourne universities.

Partner organisations will include Cancer Council NSW, Prostate Cancer Foundation, National LGBT Health Alliance, AIDS Councils of NSW, Breast Cancer Network Australia, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and CANTEEN.

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