The study, published in the journal Cancer, is based on responses from nearly 664,000 adults in the United States, of whom around 1.6 percent identified as LGBTQ+.
Participants were asked, among other things, whether they had undergone the recommended cancer screenings.
The researchers examined several types of cancer screening. However, they found no significant differences in colorectal cancer screening.
Barriers in the healthcare system
According to the researchers, the differences may be due to barriers within the healthcare system.
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They point out that more inclusive language and better training for healthcare professionals could make it easier for more people to participate in screening programs.
The study also notes that alternative methods, such as HPV self-testing for some transgender individuals, may help.
The researchers believe that these measures could improve access to preventive cancer screening.
Lower participation
The results show that lesbian and bisexual women were 16 percent less likely to have undergone breast cancer screening and 8 percent less likely to have received cervical cancer screening than heterosexual women.
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The difference was even greater for transgender individuals.
They were 76 percent less likely to have undergone breast cancer screening and 42 percent less likely to have received cervical cancer screening compared with cisgender individuals.
According to the researchers, the findings indicate that inequalities in access to preventive cancer screening persist.
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