Impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ Cancer Survivors’ and Caregivers’ Perceptions of Formal and Informal Social Support (SCI952)

Objectives: 1 Identify at least 3 specific ways that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting LGBTQ+ cancer survivors’ and caregivers’ perceptions of and access to formal support 2 Identify at least 3 specific ways that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting LGBTQ+ cancer survivors’ and caregivers’ perceptions of and access to informal support with their social networks Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for many cancer survivors and their caregivers to access support from providers and informal networks This may be particularly true for LGBTQ+ groups, who are under-represented in oncology and palliative care research and often overlooked in clinical oncology and palliative care Research Objectives: We sought to better understand how the pandemic is affecting LGBTQ+ cancer survivors’ and caregivers’ access to and perceptions of formal and informal support Methods: Qualitative data were collected via open-ended survey items, interviews, and a focus group with LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and caregivers (n = 19) Questions assessed their perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on support, including specific challenges for LGBTQ+ survivors and their caregivers Interview and focus group audio data were transcribed, collated with survey responses, descriptively coded, and summarized Results: Participants included 11 survivors and 8 caregivers (1 was both) aged 21-81 (M = 41 9);15 were female, 3 male, and 1 nonbinary;3 were transgender;17 were LGBTQ+ (including 4 bisexual, 2 pansexual and 2 queer) and 2 were heterosexual (both caregiving parents) Participants described numerous concerns: 1) anxiety about inclusive care being seen as something “extra”;2) decreased visibility;3) potential discrimination without caregiver advocacy during visits;4) decreased communication with providers;5) lost opportunities for community connection;6) lack of relevant support groups and resources;7) a care landscape changing without meaningful input from LGBTQ+ groups Conclusion: The pandemic may exacerbate or create new unmet support needs for LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and caregivers Implications for Research, Policy, or Practice: Providers and organizations serving survivors and caregivers should be aware that minority cohorts, including LGBTQ+ survivors and caregivers, may experience increased isolation and marginalization during the pandemic Their feedback should be actively solicited and incorporated into pandemic-related planning to inform care