WASHINGTON (May 11, 2016) — The George Washington (GW) Cancer Center received nearly $100,000 to reduce cancer disparities in Washington, D.C.’s lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LBT) communities from Susan G. Komen. This grant was given as part of a local investment of more than $1 million ahead of the 27th Annual Komen D.C. Race for the Cure® on May 7.
The grant will fund a project to increase D.C.’s LBT individuals’ health literacy and engagement in their health care, and also to help health professionals provide culturally sensitive care to LBT persons at risk or diagnosed with breast cancer. This multi-faceted education campaign aims to reduce existing cancer disparities for LBT communities in D.C.
“At the GW Cancer Center, our goal is to achieve LGBT health equity and provide high-quality, affirming cancer care for these patients,” said Mandi Pratt-Chapman, principal investigator for the project and associate center director for patient-centered initiatives and health equity at the GW Cancer Center. “Komen’s support will help us encourage patients to share in decision-making about their treatment, educate clinicians and staff on strategies to provide affirming, sensitive care to LBT breast cancer patients and raise awareness about unique cancer risks for LBT individuals.”
For several years, D.C. had the highest breast cancer incidence in the nation and currently has a higher than average mortality rate. D.C. also has the highest LBT population in the nation, compared to U.S. states. There are known disparities in cancer care among LBT populations, with lesbian and bisexual women in same-sex relationships 3.2 times more likely to have fatal breast cancer than heterosexuals. Hundreds of health professionals, LBT breast cancer patients, and LBT persons at risk for breast cancer will receive training and education from the GW Cancer Center as a result of this funding.
This year’s Susan G. Komen grants focused on increasing access to quality health care for low-income and underserved women, and reducing mortality rates throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
