Source: Between the Lines
The National LGBT Cancer Network is responds to the unique needs of cancer survivors  in the US LGBT community.

"It is remarkable to me that there are so many more people confronted with cancer today and no national registry collecting data on the LGBT segment of that population," said Liz Margolies, founder and executive director of the organization.

According to its website, the group offers "consultations, training, and presentations for healthcare facilities, schools, conferences, and social service organizations on a variety of topics related to LGBT cancer health care."

"As a network, we are now working with individual health care professionals and institutions across the country with outreach and training, " Margolies told Between the Lines.

Originally called the The LGBT Cancer Project, the group began when Margolies was  approached by the New York City LGBT Community Center to lead a group for lesbian cancer survivors.

As a professional psychoanalyst she had seen many clients fighting their way back to a "whole self". But after a few meetings at the community center, with only ten women attending the group, Liz knew that she wasn't quite reaching the intended audience.

Her research and analysis has determined that there are nearly one million LGBT cancer survivors in this country. Remarkably, there is very little hard, detailed data collected on the demographics of LGBT cancer patients by any institution.

In an interview with Detroit's Between the Lines newspaper, Margolies said there are two primary factors that deter LGBT people from regular check-ups that might evaluate cancer early.

First, the cost of insurance can be out of reach for many. Recently partner benefits have been cancelled, refused or brought into question legally with state constitutional amendments or prohibitions. Many citizens claim that purchasing individual or small group health plans can be costly beyond any budget.

Second, Margolies explains that "a bad experience" is often enough to turn someone away from the doctor's office altogether.

Margolies told Between the Lines  that there are many simple ways that a health care provider can welcome LGBT clients into their offices.

"Being aware is key," she explained. "What happens from the minute we walk into that office tells us whether we are welcome or not. What kind of art is on the walls and what sort of magazines are stocked in the waiting room? Most offices wouldn't think twice about subscribing to OPRAH magazine, so having The Advocate or the local LGBT newspaper shouldn't be out of the question if it's truly a welcoming office."

"You know, it doesn't have to be that hard - put a 49-cent rainbow sticker on the front door or post a photocopy of the non-discrimination policy."

Margolies said that the network is actively reaching west beyond its original New York base to reach LGBT cancer survivors and health-care professionals throughout the country.

"My goal is to educate the medical community so that any LGBT person living in the middle of BFE, can feel that they have support from any physician they choose to visit," she said. "And, I'm working so that our Web site is a valuable source of information and comfort."

Full article: Finally, A resource for LGBT cancer survivors goes national | Between the Lines/PrideSource

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