Proceedings From the Inaugural Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Equity for Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Communities

Authors

Charles S Kamen
Milena E Insalaco
Richard Brown
Chasity Burrows Walters
Shine Chang
Viktor Clark
Jason Domogauer
Lauren V Ghazal
Kelly Haviland
Forrest Hosea
Nelson Sanchez
Matthew B Schabath
Zul Surani
Gwendolyn P Quinn

Language

English

Publication Date

2-3-2026

Journal

BMC Proceedings

DOI

10.1186/s12919-026-00360-w

PMID

41630004

PMCID

PMC12865925

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

2-3-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Purpose: Sexual and gender minority people (SGM) experience multiple cancer-related disparities, including higher rates of cancer risk factors, lower rates of cancer screening, higher lifetime risk of cancer, and unmet needs throughout cancer survivorship. Although many national organizations, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), have emphasized the need for more cancer research among SGM communities, currently no consensus exists about the highest research priorities, promising research models, or mechanisms to support collaboration between geographically dispersed scientific teams.

Methods: To address this gap, we convened a three-day conference to focus on the "Science of Cancer Health Equity for SGM Communities." Held at the New York University (NYU) Langone Medical Center Campus in New York City from October 5-7, 2023, this conference brought together researchers, trainees, early-stage investigators, and community members. The conference aimed to: 1) examine the current span of evidence-based research on SGM cancer across the cancer control continuum; 2) establish SGM cancer research priorities; 3) promote the careers and research of trainees and early stage investigators, especially those from minoritized backgrounds; 4) develop a transdisciplinary network of professionals with a focus on mentorship and shared research methods; and 5) disseminate findings from this conference, including priorities for SGM cancer health equity research.

Results: Response to the conference was overwhelmingly positive.

Conclusion: The success of this inaugural conference indicated the need for additional efforts to advance SGM cancer research and expand on scientific priorities.

Keywords

Cancer, Health Disparities, Sexual and Gender Minorities

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Kamen, Charles S; Insalaco, Milena E; Brown, Richard; et al., "Proceedings From the Inaugural Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Equity for Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Communities" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 5455.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthgsbs_docs/5455