LGBTQ+ Inclusion in
Cancer Clinical Trials

Published in October 2025, this report presents the findings from a research project on current LGBTQ+ inclusion in cancer clinical trials in NSW, and recommendations on initiatives to increase LGBTQ+ participation in these trials.

The project is part of the NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy and the ongoing partnership between ACON and Cancer Institute NSW. The project centres on current practices in data collection and reporting, and underlying issues for researchers, clinicians and patients in collecting data and disclosing sexuality and gender.

This study involved two key stages: A scoping review to map out what is known about the collection of gender and sexuality data in cancer clinical trials, and key informant interviews with professionals working in cancer clinical trials to understand current practices and attitudes, and barriers and facilitators.

Key recommendations based on the findings of this report include:

  • To improve LGBTQ+ inclusivity of cancer clinical trials, all institutions involved in cancer clinical trials should collect data in line with the 2020 Australian Bureau of Statistics standard on sex, gender, variations in sex characteristics, and sexual orientation, and the 2024 NHMRC Statement on Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation in Health and Medical Research

  • Clinical settings involved in cancer clinical trials should review and improve medical record systems to be able to display information in line with ABS standard and enable collection and display of patient pronouns

  • Enhanced training opportunities and resources are needed to support LGBTQ+ inclusive care and inclusion of LGBTQ+ in cancer clinical trials. Where possible, this training should be mandated.

View or download the published report here.
The case study can be downloaded here.

Research Team:
Anthony K J Smith, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney
Kerryn Drysdale, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney
Bridget Haire, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney
Haryana Dhillon, Psycho-Oncology Cooperative Research Group (PoCoG), The University of Sydney
Gianfranco Giuntoli, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney
Emma Kirby, School of Social Sciences, UNSW Sydney
kylie valentine, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney