Skin cancer prevalence in sexual minority Americans varies by race, ethnicity, and sexual identity compared to heterosexual peers, highlighting the need for tailored prevention efforts.
- Lifetime skin cancer prevalence in sexual minority Americans varied by race, ethnicity, and individual sexual identity compared with that in heterosexual peers, according to a large cross-sectional study.
- The study identified specific subgroups within the sexual-minority community at higher risk for skin cancer, including White gay males and Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black SM men and women, particularly individuals who identify as bisexual.
- Investigating further, the study showed that Hispanic or non-Hispanic Black SMs were at higher risk for skin cancer despite having more behavioral risk factors for UV radiation exposure.
- The study found that integrating sexual orientation and/or gender identity data into patient intake forms for electronic health records may be helpful for future research studies and clinical practice.
- While the impact on clinical practice may be challenging to ascertain, assessing patients’ risks for skin cancer based on well-established risk factors such as sun exposure, skin type, and age remains important.
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Dermatology, Oncology, Public Health & Prevention, LGBTQ+ Health