The Cancer Network

Men don't like to talk about their health — and q***r men face even greater barriers.

Medical mistrust, stigma, and a lack of affirming spaces can make an already isolating experience even harder.

Peer connection changes outcomes. When men see themselves reflected in the people supporting them, they open up.

Check out how Man Up to Cancer is making a difference and meeting q***r men where they are.

Affirming healthcare saves lives, especially for + folks on cancer journeys.

We're grateful to have our research featured in this new USA TODAY report on cancer care for LGBTQIA+ individuals, and we want to remind our communities about the many ways in which we provide support.

✔️ weekly peer support groups
✔️ reliable and inclusive data and resources
✔️ proven training and toolkits
✔️ tireless policy and advocacy efforts

We're here for you and your loved ones.

A triple negative breast cancer diagnosis, and the q***r affirmation that kept her going An integral part to Alix Shulman's medical care was her support system, from medical providers to loved ones, affirming her q***r identity and recognizing her spouse.

Want to help young adults quit ni****ne and to***co? Researchers want to hear from you!

Join a community advisory board and give feedback on a new app designed with to***co cessation in mind -- and get PAID for it!

Check out the requirements in the image, and get started with the screening survey here: https://chssnmsu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dp5DoHTmdevYDL8

Fred Hutch

NEXT WEEK: Have you registered for the FREE virtual National Conference on Work & Cancer?

Check out the agenda, as well as the top reasons why you should join this annual Cancer and Careers conference.

Register here: cancerandcareers.org/en/community/events/conference/registration

Our communications manager Stephen is in San Francisco this week as a national fellow in APPEAL’s leadership training program.

✨APPEAL Fellow - Stephen Jiwanmall ✨

Stephen Jiwanmall (he/him) is the communications manager for The Cancer Network, an international nonprofit that connects LGBTQIA+ patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to affirming, evidence-based cancer care resources.

He also teaches public relations communication and ethics as a lecturer at the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Stephen is passionate about serving LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, especially where they intersect.

Thank you for raising awareness about cancer risks in our communities, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered!

🌈 June is LGBTQIA+ Awareness Month 🌈

Awareness of hereditary cancer risk can save lives, yet access to care remains unequal.

Nearly 1 in 5 LGBTQIA+ adults delay or avoid medical care, limiting opportunities for genetic counseling, testing and early detection.

Hereditary risk isn’t always visible—but it matters. FORCE is proud to partner with Cancer Network, SHARE Cancer Support and ZERO Prostate Cancer to ensure LGBTQIA+ individuals feel seen, supported and included in cancer care conversations.

👉 What does feeling seen in healthcare mean to you? Share below or drop a 💜

+AwarenessMonth

The Cancer Network ZERO Prostate Cancer SHARE Cancer Support

WE'RE HIRING!

The Cancer Network is looking for a passionate policy director with strong experience and/or interest in to***co control, in addition to advocating for + communities.

The position is fully remote with a salary range of $85K-$95K. Candidates can apply through our website: cancer-network.org/join-our-team/

We've been working with a group of researchers on a program that we think will help + young people !

Check out this study on an avatar-led cessation program: bit.ly/NewAvStudy

🫂 Looking for during ?

Our deputy director Chelbye will share more about what The Cancer Network does for + communities as part of a virtual meeting organized by FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered.

Sign up for the session on June 25 here: www.facingourrisk.org/support/calendar?e=1720

Join our own Ash Davidson for this special free webinar tomorrow!

Feeling understood can make a meaningful difference after a breast/chest cancer diagnosis.

Save your spot now for ABCD’s upcoming free LEAP Series webinar, Matched with Care: Supporting LGBTQIA+ People Through Breast/Chest Cancer Mentorship, on May 27 at 12 PM CT. 🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Featuring Ash Davidson, Project Manager with The Cancer Network and an ABCD Mentor, this discussion will explore the importance of identity-affirming emotional support and how personalized mentorship can help LGBTQIA+ individuals navigate breast/chest cancer with connection and understanding. Ash is a breast/chest cancer survivor, the creator of a platform for trans cancer advocacy and storytelling called Transcer, and was selected as a 2025 ASCO Voices Speaker.

Interested in becoming a Mentor? ABCD’s virtual LGBTQIA+ New Mentor Training on June 17 from 6-8 PM CT is an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ previvors, survivors, people living with metastatic disease, and caregivers to learn how to provide emotional support to others like them. A shout out to Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance for their continued meaningful connections and support.

You can also find inclusive LGBTQIA+ resources in the Cultural, Gender, & Language section of ABCD’s Resource Guide.

🔗 Learn more:
• May 27 LEAP registration: https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/abcd-event/leap-speaker-series-matched-with-care-supporting-lgbtqia-people-through-breast-chest-cancer-mentorship/
• June 17 LGBTQIA+ New Mentor Training: https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/abcd-event/lgbtqia-new-mentor-training/
• ABCD Resource Guide: https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/resources/