To better understand the experiences of LGBTQIA+ patients, we brought together a small team – including people from the LGBTQIA+ community who had used our Macmillan Cancer Support service. We partnered with Wake the Beast Theatre Company, who conducted interviews with LGBTQIA+ patients and healthcare staff. These real stories shaped a series of short theatre sketches and a training film designed to educate and inspire healthcare professionals.
LGBTQIA+ cancer care
The Q Factor: LGBTQIA+ awareness training for staff
This session has been developed to support NHS and Social Care teams in providing inclusive, respectful care for LGBTQIA+ patients and their families.
It takes around 45 minutes to complete and includes time to watch The Q Factor – a short film lasting just under 10 minutes. Based on real interviews carried out by Wake the Beast Theatre Company, the film captures the voices and experiences of LGBTQIA+ cancer patients and healthcare professionals.
It takes around 45 minutes to complete and includes time to watch The Q Factor – a short film lasting just under 10 minutes. Based on real interviews carried out by Wake the Beast Theatre Company, the film captures the voices and experiences of LGBTQIA+ cancer patients and healthcare professionals.
The training encourages open and honest discussion, giving staff space to reflect on what they’ve seen and consider how they can improve interactions and care.
A short follow-up session is also available, designed to take place 3 to 6 months later. This allows teams to revisit key messages and reflect on any changes made in practice.
The training film is embedded in the workshop slides below. If you cannot access the film via the training slides please click here.
The training film is embedded in the workshop slides below. If you cannot access the film via the training slides please click here.
What colleagues have said
“Very good video, an interesting watch. Thought provoking. ‘Small change makes a big difference to how someone feels.’”
Why it matters
Everyone deserves to be seen, respected and made to feel safe when receiving healthcare.
Healthcare organisations have legal and ethical duties to reduce inequalities in access to healthcare services and related outcomes.
However, lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT+) people continue to experience and anticipate discrimination in health and social care:
• 1 in 7 LGBT people (14%) avoid seeking healthcare for fear of discrimination from staff.
• 1 in 8 LGBT people (13%) have experienced unequal treatment from healthcare staff because they’re LGBT.
• More than a quarter of trans people (27%) reported they ‘always’ or ‘often’ avoid GP visits for cervical cancer screening or prostate checks.
References available within the training slide deck.
Healthcare organisations have legal and ethical duties to reduce inequalities in access to healthcare services and related outcomes.
However, lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT+) people continue to experience and anticipate discrimination in health and social care:
• 1 in 7 LGBT people (14%) avoid seeking healthcare for fear of discrimination from staff.
• 1 in 8 LGBT people (13%) have experienced unequal treatment from healthcare staff because they’re LGBT.
• More than a quarter of trans people (27%) reported they ‘always’ or ‘often’ avoid GP visits for cervical cancer screening or prostate checks.
References available within the training slide deck.
About the project
Pride in health event
In collaboration with Macmillan and the NCL Cancer Alliance, we hosted a special event at Queer Britain to showcase this work. The event highlighted the importance of personalised care and the challenges many LGBTQIA+ people face when accessing health services.
Parts of the Pride in Health event were recorded and are available to watch below. These powerful talks and performances explore the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people in cancer care and the importance of inclusive, personalised support.
Macmillan’s role in inclusive cancer care – Dr Owen Carter
My cancer journey: From Doctor to Patient – Dr Ben Lovell
Speaking up for yourself – Dr Alison Berner
‘The only gay in oncology’ – live theatre sketch by Wake the Beast Theatre Company
Wake the beast – additional live theatre sketch
My story – Michael Anderson
How to get strong after cancer - Carolyn Garritt
The Q Factor training film
We have produced a training film, The Q Factor, which captures the voices and experiences of LGBTQIA+ cancer patients. It’s a powerful tool to help staff better understand how to provide inclusive, respectful care. Read more about the film and training package above.
Last updated08 Aug 2025