Introduction

Abstract

Cancer affects people globally, the numbers of cancer survivors are increasing, and cancer counts among the leading causes of death. Despite cancer’s universal impact, this is the first book to focus on the cancer burden among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Multiple challenges are discussed that have impeded research of the cancer burden in the LGBT community until this first publication brought together dedicated researchers, advocates, and scientists who are at the forefront of LGBT cancer research. The cancer control continuum is the underlying structure for the content of the book, ranging from cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and cancer survivorship to the end of life. Specific chapters are dedicated to transgender individuals, as well as racial or ethnic minority LGBT individuals to emphasize the diversity of the LGBT community. In addition, this book includes chapters on the impact of policy in the US and internationally and a final chapter that addresses the crosscutting themes and discusses the next steps for LGBT communities and cancer.