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Alique Topalian Reports New Survivorship Findings in SGM Cancer Survivors
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Alique Topalian Reports New Survivorship Findings in SGM Cancer Survivors

Alique Topalian, Research Scientist of Survivorship and Supportive Services at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“New Publication Alert in Springer Nature in Supportive Care in Cancer!

Cancer Survivorship Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All: Addressing Fatigue and Mental Health in SGM Survivors

As survivorship care evolves, it’s critical that we understand and address the unique experiences of all survivors including sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals.

Using data from more than 36,000 cancer survivors in the The National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program, our study examined differences in fatigue and mental health between SGM and cisgender-heterosexual cancer survivors.

What we found:

  • SGM survivors had 33% higher odds of experiencing high fatigue.
  • SGM survivors had 85% higher odds of reporting poor mental health.

Even after accounting for anxiety, depression, and fatigue-related diagnoses, SGM survivors continued to report worse mental health outcomes.

Why this matters: Fatigue and mental health challenges can significantly affect daily functioning, recovery, quality of life, and long-term well-being. These findings suggest that SGM survivors may face additional burdens that are not fully captured in traditional survivorship care models.

What can we do?

  • Routinely screen for fatigue and mental health concerns before, during, and after treatment.
  • Collect sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in oncology settings.
  • Educate healthcare providers about the unique needs of SGM cancer survivors.
  • Develop and test survivorship interventions tailored to SGM communities.

The takeaway:

Advancing health equity in cancer survivorship means recognizing and addressing disparities where they exist. By creating more inclusive and responsive care systems, we can better support the physical and emotional well-being of all survivors.

Thank you Brad Woodie, Anne Fleischer, and Shanna Stryker, MD MPH for your collaboration and all of your hard work on this project!”

Title: Comparative analysis of fatigue and mental health in sexual and gender minority cancer survivors

Authors: Alique G. Topalian, Brad R. Woodie, Anne Fleischer, Shanna D. Stryker

Read The Full Article

Alique Topalian

Other articles featuring Alique Topalian on OncoDaily.

Alique G. Topalian Alique Topalian All of Us Research Program Anne Fleischer Brad R. Woodie Brad Woodie cancer cancer care Cancer research cancer survivorship fatigue health equity healthcare providers Inclusive care MD MPH mental health National Institutes of Health NIH OncoDaily Oncology oncology research patient reported outcomes psycho-oncology quality of life Sexual and Gender Minority Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity SGM SGM Cancer Survivors Shanna D. Stryker Shanna Stryker SOGI Springer Nature Supportive care Supportive Care in Cancer survivorship care survivorship research