A University of Windsor professor wants to hear from members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who have experienced cancer care in the community.
Professor Kathy Pfaff has been conducting the Compassion Cancer Pride intervention study since January 2021.
It is funded by a $30,000 research grant from the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation’s Seeds4Hope program.
Early findings show that people who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ face barriers in seeking cancer screening and have lower social support, leading to poorer cancer outcomes.
“Social isolation and reluctance to seek preventative cancer care are some of the significant challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals during their cancer journeys,” Pfaff said.
The project aims to improve cancer care for individuals and families. It has partnered with community organizations like the Windsor-Essex Compassion Care Community, the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, and Trans Wellness Ontario.
“We need peer-led programming that provides continuous support across their cancer journeys, and that recognizes their individual support systems. For many, it is not family, but other members of the queer community who step up to help with the practical, health, and medical needs,” Pfaff said.
The study will wrap up this fall and the results will be published in a report that will be shared on the WE-Spark Health Institute website and through Hospice Palliative Care Ontario.
Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who are interested in taking part in the study can visit the study's website here.
