Social support for LGBTIQ+ people with breast cancer

Having a safe space where you can find social connection and support is important for quality of life and wellbeing during your breast cancer journey.

There are many ways that you can find social support, including from partner/s, chosen family, other family, friends and other LGBTIQ+ connections.

Finding support that is right for you

You may have particular concerns and support needs during your breast cancer journey. These could include:

• if, when and how to share information about your sexual orientation, gender or intersex variation with your treating team. See Disclosure: Sharing information about your sexual orientation or gender with your treating team.
• distress related to changes to your body image. See LGBTIQ+ Body image and gender identity
• changes to sexuality or intimacy. See Sexuality and intimacy for LGBTIQ+ people with breast cancer
• difficulties in having your partner/s acknowledged by your treating team. See Legal issues for LGBTIQ+ people with breast cancer.

Some LGBTIQ+ people do not have support from their parents, siblings or other family members during their breast cancer journey. This may make it difficult to talk with them about your cancer, or discuss the inclusion of your partner/s and chosen family in your care.

Despite these challenges, you are not alone. There are many ways you can access support throughout your breast cancer journey.

Support from partners, chosen family and other family and friends

Your partner/s and chosen family or friends can be a major source of support. You have the right for them to be part of your support team. They can help you with the emotional and physical challenges during your cancer journey, even though they may not completely understand what you are experiencing.

You also may find support in the broader LGBTIQ+ community. You may have support from your parents, siblings and other family members.

Your partner/s and other close carers may experience distress and need support in relation to your cancer. See Coping with breast cancer as an LGBTIQ+ person.

Getting support where you all feel welcome and safe to share your experiences, and which addresses your specific support needs, is essential.

Accessing professional support

You may want to seek professional support through individual, couples or family counselling. Your GP can complete a Mental Health Treatment plan which will entitle you to up to 10 sessions in a calendar year with a counsellor for which you can claim a Medicare rebate. Your GP can refer you to an LGBTIQ+ friendly counsellor, social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in counselling people with cancer. 

If you are working, your employer may offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

How to cope if you have no support

It can be difficult if you have no close family, partners or friends to support you. Some people find comfort and support from having an animal as a companion. Seeking professional support can also be helpful.

Joining a cancer support group and connecting with other LGBTIQ+ people who have breast cancer can also provide you with support and connections.

BCNA's Online Network has a private group for people who are part of the LGBTIQ+ community.

Connecting with other LGBTIQ+ people with breast cancer

LGBTIQ+ cancer peer support groups

It can be helpful to speak to other LGBTIQ+ people who have similar experiences to you during your cancer journey. Support groups can help reduce feelings of loneliness or distress for you, your partner/s and chosen family. They may provide you with new ways of coping, practical information about living with cancer, and help to communicate your concerns with others in your life.

Depending on where you live in Australia, you may be able to find a face-to-face LGBTIQ+ cancer support group. You may also be able to access a LGBTIQ+ support group online or via telephone.

To see if LGBTIQ+ support groups are available in your area, get in touch with your local Cancer Council on 13 11 20.

LGBTIQ+ social media and online forums

You may like to share your experiences with other LGBTIQ+ people and access peer support online. You can access LGBTIQ+ cancer discussion forums through official cancer support websites or groups on Facebook, for example.

BCNA has an online group for people who are LGBTIQ+ with breast cancer. The Cancer Council and Carer Gateway have generic online discussion forums for people with cancer, their partners and chosen family.

Information and peer support helplines

Telephone support provides an opportunity to connect with other LGBTQI+ people, or people with cancer, over the phone, in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Cancer Connect (13 11 20) is a telephone based peer support service that can connect you with a specially trained volunteer who has had a similar cancer experience.

QLife (1800 184 527) is a national, free, confidential LGBTIQ+ phone or webchat service. You can talk to a peer counsellor for LGBTIQ+ specific support, information and referrals, including for people with breast cancer.

Carers Australia (1800 242 636) has a national carer counselling program.

Intersex Peer Support: a peer support, information and advocacy group for people born with variations in sex characteristics and their families.

LGBTIQ+ cancer advocacy groups

You may like to connect to other LGBTIQ+ people with breast cancer by getting involved with cancer advocacy. This could include starting your own LGBTIQ+ support group for people with breast cancer or acting as an LGBTIQ+ peer mentor.

Acknowledgements

These materials were developed from the Out with Cancer Study, conducted at Western Sydney University, and funded by the Australian Research Council. Thanks are offered to the Out with Cancer study committee members with lived experience of cancer, BCNA LGBTIQ+ consumer representatives, ACON and LGBTIQ+ Health Australia who contributed their time and expertise.

BCNA's LGBTIQ+ project was undertaken with support from Cancer Australia through the Supporting Women in Rural Areas Diagnosed with Breast Cancer program.

Resources

• Cancer Council NSW has information including a downloadable book that will help you understand how cancer and its treatment may affect LGBTQI+ people – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other diverse sexualities and genders, as well as people with intersex variations.
• Cancer Council Victoria has compiled organisations, resources and information for those that identify as LGBTIQ+ with cancer.
• Queering Cancer is a Canadian site with resources for those in the LGBTIQ+ community affected by cancer. It includes information, personal stories and a blog.