Disparities in Cancer Screening in Sexual and Gender Minority Populations: A Secondary Analysis of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data

Objectives: To describe cancer screening characteristics and better understand individual-, environmental-, and organizational-level barriers of sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. 

Sample & Setting: This study was conducted using a combined sample from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) national dataset from 2014 and 2016.

Methods & Variables: Chi-square tests for independence and logistic regression analysis tests were performed to determine whether relationships existed between SGM status and demographics.

Results: Black respondents or those who reported their race as other, were female, had some college or technical school or more, and had healthcare coverage were less likely to present for cancer screening. SGM respondents who were in good or better health; were unmarried; were aged 18–44 years or 45–55 years; or were Asian, Native American, or Hawaiian, or reported their race as other, had higher odds of screening for cancer.

Implications for Nursing: Disparities in cancer screening among SGM populations are not well documented. These findings will inform structured education and preventative interventions to improve screening participation among SGM populations.