Introduction
Our workshop was the first in a series being undertaken by the Macmillan Community Voices team who are working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to explore cancer care experiences of different groups in our communities. Our programme of workshops focus on groups that data demonstrates, face significant health inequalities.
This workshop engaged with clinical and community stakeholders involved in the care and support of members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have or are, receiving cancer care. We worked with two key partners to build our programme for the day, Transpire (based in Southend) and The Outhouse (based in Colchester) who helped to ensure that content was as useful and accessible as possible.
We wanted to take learning from our discussions and from the lived experience of community members to explore what plans and strategies could be developed to improve those experiences. We also wanted to consider what was working well and positive steps taken so far.
Our Workshop Programme
C360 presented a creative case study involving a trans woman who had previously engaged with the project, using collages to explore one positive and one negative cancer-related experience. The stark contrast between the two collages demonstrated the significant impact that being listened to, understood, and supported can have on an individual’s wellbeing. LGBTQIA+ themes and feedback gathered throughout the MCV project, alongside wider insights identified across different cohort groups were also shared, helping attendees understand common barriers and experiences within these communities.
Attendees also heard presentations from Transpire and The Outhouse, which highlighted the healthcare inequalities faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Research shared by Transpire explored concerns around access to gender-affirming care, fears of seeking healthcare due to the instability of Shared Care Agreements, and experiences of invasive questioning and perceived bias. The Outhouse outlined its Trans+ Levelling Up programme, which aims to strengthen healthcare professionals’ understanding of Trans+ health needs, particularly in relation to cancer screening and early diagnosis. This initiative also includes community focused campaigns to help educate and empower individuals. Following a pilot, educational gaps were identified and a new training programme developed.
The session concluded with a powerful personal testimony from a member of the LGBTQIA+ community who shared their experience of a late testicular cancer diagnosis, reflecting on both the challenges they faced and the exceptional support they received from Macmillan Cancer Support during their treatment and recovery.
Attendee Participation Session
A key focus of the event was understanding the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals affected by cancer and the importance of inclusive, person-centred support. So, we encouraged attendees to consider what they could do as a community member to improve the cancer related experiences of the community and consider what the system wide challenges are that can be worked on together.
Our Learning
Feedback from attendees confirmed that the workshop was highly informative and impactful. Participants highlighted that much of the information shared was new to them and increased their understanding of the inequalities faced by LGBTQIA+ communities when accessing healthcare and cancer services. The discussions generated a strong appetite for further learning and identified several priority areas for future development and improvement.
Key Outcomes
- Increased awareness of the health inequalities and barriers to care experienced by LGBTQIA+ communities.
- Recognition of the need for additional education and training for professionals and organisations supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Greater understanding of the importance of engaging with LGBTQIA+ people in a confidential, respectful, and inclusive manner.
- Identification of gaps in current healthcare training, with attendees noting that LGBTQIA+ health issues receive limited coverage within formal medical education.
- Increased awareness of the potential negative impact that insufficient knowledge and training can have on patient engagement and wellbeing.
- Recognition of the need for clearer information and guidance regarding Shared Care Agreements and NHS records processes to improve confidence in healthcare services.
- Strong interest from attendees in developing their knowledge and skills to better support LGBTQIA+ individuals in accessing cancer care.
- Consensus on the importance of collecting and using data to better understand community needs, reduce inequalities, and inform future service development.
What Happens Next?
Key learning from our MCV workshop will feed into Macmillan’s national research and will help shape the direction of further MCV project work moving forward. Learning will be shared with community partners to incorporate in any action plans they have for supporting their cancer related work streams.
Our attendees also made pledges relating to their learning and what they felt they could do next. Pledges included:
‘Make sure the community are included in research, in research projects and service development’
‘Commit to accessible health education resources / workshops.’
‘Hold other professionals to account in case of lower standards.’
‘Collaborate with other services to ensure equal access to services by everyone.’
For more information about Community360 Macmillan Community Voices Project contact voices@community360.org.uk
To find out more about support available from Macmillan Cancer Support click here
