In the United States, 7.2% of adults identify as LGBTQ+—that’s over 24 million people who often face stigma and discrimination, complicating their navigation through the healthcare system.
Dr. Elizabeth Cathcart-Rake, a medical oncologist at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center specializing in breast cancer, aims to change this. She has launched the Rainbows Breast Cancer Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, to cater to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, gender diverse, and intersex (LGBTQ+) individuals with or at risk for breast cancer. Additionally, she is conducting research to enhance their cancer care experiences and outcomes.
The Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center Blog team interviewed Dr. Cathcart-Rake about the Rainbows Breast Cancer Clinic. Here’s what she shared about the clinic and the LGBTQ+ cancer care experience:
Addressing Unique Needs of LGBTQ+ Individuals
LGBTQ+ individuals face significant disparities in cancer care, including higher rates of late-stage diagnoses, poorer outcomes, and untreated side effects from therapy.
“I have interviewed individuals who recount experiences of surgical teams being uncomfortable assisting them post-surgery due to their gender identity and expression. These stories are heartbreaking,” says Dr. Cathcart-Rake.
She notes that LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to be offered fertility preservation before cancer treatment and often have unaddressed sexual side effects. For transgender and gender-diverse individuals, there are concerns about the interactions between hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, and cancer-specific treatments.
Opening the Rainbows Breast Cancer Clinic is personal for Dr. Cathcart-Rake. “A dear friend of mine faced unbelievable discrimination and stigma after coming out. Their experience has driven me to think through every step of their journey. Our role is to care for the person in front of us, no matter what.”
Providing Supportive and Affirming Cancer Care
The Rainbows Breast Cancer Clinic team offers specialized, multidisciplinary, and person-affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals in a safe and respectful environment while optimizing physical, emotional, and social health.
“At every point in their cancer care journey, we want patients to