Collaborative Working Project between OUTpatients and Pfizer: Outcomes Summary

Creating, developing and distributing social media content and written information for oncology patients from the LGBTIQ+ community and healthcare professionals (HCPs) who work in oncology.

Background
The LGBTIQ+ community continues to be overlooked in healthcare, including during their cancer treatment. The cancer care experience is different for LGBTIQ+ patients and unfortunately it is not always a positive one. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) play a role in this too, there is a well-documented need to improve health professional training and revise resources to be more inclusive.

In line with Pfizer’s social values, Pfizer collaborated with OUTpatients, UK’s only LGBTIQ+, patient-led cancer charity. They advocate for and support all LGBTIQ+ people affected by cancer. As advocates for the LGBTIQ+ community within oncology, they have identified that the freedom and confidence of patients to be able to disclose personal information about their sexual orientation or gender identity to their healthcare providers is a key part of their care and their cancer journey. This was discussed with Pfizer and felt to be an important piece suitable for collaboration.

Project
The project was a collaborative effort conducted between July 2023 to July 2025, with both Outpatients and Pfizer contributing equally to the project in their strength areas. A community-led approach was taken; input was sought from patients in the community and HCPs to refine the concept and ensure it resonated with their needs. Real patients from the LGBTIQ+ community were featured in the campaign for authenticity. Outputs from the project were videos and stills for social media and websites and a downloadable PDF for clinicians or clinics.

Benefits

Benefits to Patients

• Better wellbeing and mental health through more inclusive support and information
• More confidence to share sexual orientation or gender identity with the care team

Benefits to NHS

• Improved patient satisfaction by creating a more inclusive and respectful care environment.
• Better education and awareness for healthcare professionals (HCPs) on LGBTIQ+ inclusive cancer care.
• Stronger engagement with LGBTIQ+ communities to support access to and uptake of cancer services.
• Greater recognition of, and action to reduce, microaggressions in healthcare settings.