Cancer and Social Support

Cancer is a group of more than 100 diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It is the second most common cause of death in the United States; however, survival rates for all cancers have increased substantially due to progress in earlier diagnosis of certain cancers and improvements in treatment. Persons with cancer often need assistance with activities of daily living, family and community responsibilities, and illness management tasks. The prevalence and consequences of cancer and the need for support for LGBTQ persons with cancer have received limited attention in the research and clinical practice literature. However, several trends are leading to an increase in recognition of and knowledge about cancer in LGBTQ adults and the importance of informal and formal ...