Sexual and Gender Minority Populations and Skin Cancer-New Data and Renewed Priorities.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) persons include, but are not limited to, individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, as well as individuals whose sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or reproductive development are characterized by non-binary constructs of sexual orientation, gender, and/or sex. 1 The National Cancer Institute has called for specific research to “assess cancer risk to inform improved decision-making, risk reduction interventions, and screening options for early cancer detection in SGM populations.” 1 Notably, population-based data on skin cancer epidemiology in SGM persons remain inadequate. Without robust epidemiologic data, it has been challenging for dermatologists to recognize and articulate their specific roles within broader national conversations on improving SGM health. Emerging skin cancer data, particularly among gay and bisexual men, indicate unmet needs for skin cancer prevention in specific SGM subpopulations. 2 as compared to cisgender men. 4 While the differences in prevalence estimates are small in absolute magnitude, these data provide additional concrete examples of disproportionate skin cancer burden within SGM subpopulations.