Disparities in health-related quality of life among lesbian, gay, and bisexual cancer survivors

Objective This study compared health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) cancer survivors and their heterosexual counterparts in a US population-based sample of cancer survivors.Methods The study utilized data from the All of Us research program. LGB survivors (n = 885) were matched for age, gender identity, marital status, income, education, and cancer site with heterosexual survivors (n = 885) using 1:1 propensity matching. Physical, mental, and social HRQOL were assessed with items from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).Results Relative to heterosexuals, LGB cancer survivors reported lower HRQOL in mental and social domains, but not in physical HRQOL. Older age was associated with higher HRQOL across domains. LGB survivors identifying as Black/African American were more likely to experience lower social HRQOL than White survivors.Conclusions This study highlights several disparities in HRQOL that exist between LGB and heterosexual cancer survivors.