2SLGBTQ+ Cancer Screening Awareness
Be Seen. Get Screened.
Promoting cancer screening awareness and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ communities and healthcare providers.
About the campaign
Rainbow Health Ontario’s Be Seen. Get Screened. campaign addresses cancer disparities in 2SLGBTQ+ communities through a province-wide awareness initiative. Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Community Awareness: Posters, postcards, and social media tools designed with 2SLGBTQ+ communities in mind.
- Public Education: Practical tools including an updated fact sheet, a dedicated podcast episode with healthcare experts, and other resources.
- Healthcare Provider Education: Training to enhance cultural competency skills for serving 2SLGBTQ+ patients.
This is about starting conversations, sharing knowledge, and making cancer screening information more accessible across Ontario. For inquiries or media requests, please contact communications@rainbowhealthontario.ca.
Why Screening Matters
Cancer screening saves lives—yet 2SLGBTQ+ communities face preventable barriers to care. Research confirms:
- Lower screening rates: 2SLGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to receive timely breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings.
- Higher-risk profiles: Smoking rates are higher among sexual minorities, while trans communities face unique risks from hormone therapy.
- Systemic gaps: A significant number of trans Ontarians report delaying medical care because of past negative experiences.
These disparities have consequences: Later-stage diagnoses mean more aggressive treatments and poorer survival rates. But together, we can change this trajectory.
Thank you to our outreach sponsor, Manulife, and our creative partner, Deloitte Digital.
Health in Focus: 2SLGBTQ+ Cancer Disparities and Barriers to Care
This educational resource highlights the health care, social service and cancer care needs of 2SLGBTQ+ people.
2SLGBTQ Health in Focus
Episode 5: Cancer Screening and 2SLGBTQ+ Communities
Why are 2SLGBTQ+ people less likely to get screened for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers – and more likely to be diagnosed at later stages? In episode five of 2SLGBTQ Health in Focus, experts Dr. Aisha Lofters and Dr. Kathryn Pfaff discuss key facts, screening tips and factors for resilience. Plus, hear personal experiences from Spencer, Rita and Rie.
Listen to find out more: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Pocket Casts
Resources for 2SLGBTQ+ Cancer Screening & Support
Accessible, inclusive cancer care starts with the right information. Below are key resources for 2SLGBTQ+ communities, healthcare providers, and allies—covering screening guidelines, support groups, and education on reducing barriers to care.
- Cancer Care Ontario
- Cancer in People Who Identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Gender-Nonconforming
- Cancer Resources for 2SLGBTQI+ Communities (Canadian Cancer Society)
- Factsheet: HPV and Anal Cancer Screening, Treatment and Care (Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance)
- Gender-Affirming Cancer Screening Guidelines for Transgender and Non-Binary Clients (Alliance for Healthier Communities)
- Gay and Queer Men’s Cancer Support Group
- Mid-West Toronto Ontario Health Team – Open Door Program
- Odette Cancer Program – 2SLGBTQIA+ Resources (Sunnybrook Hospital)
- Overarching Policy for the Screening of Trans People in the Ontario Breast Screening Program and the Ontario Cervical Screening Program
- Progress on HPV Primary Screening in Canada (Canadian Partnership Against Cancer)
- Queering Cancer
- Sexual and Gender Diversity & Cancer Resource Guide – 2025 Update
- Sexual and Gender Diversity in Cancer Care
Explore our Service Provider Directory to find health and social service providers across Ontario who are committed to delivering competent and welcoming care to 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
Print Materials
Download free digital copies of our cancer screening awareness posters and postcards to share in your community or organization. Order free hard copies of our cancer screening awareness materials for a limited time through our online shop.
Social Media Toolkit
Use the ready-to-share captions and graphics below to promote Rainbow Health Ontario’s Be Seen. Get Screened. campaign. By sharing these resources, you can help address cancer screening disparities and improve health equity within 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
Follow Rainbow Health Ontario on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Don’t forget to tag us and include our official hashtags: #GetScreened, #CancerScreening, #CancerAwareness, #2SLGBTQHealth—and check out our social media toolkit for more resources.
- Preventative Health Awareness Month (February)
- World Cancer Day (February 4)
- Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (March)
- Cancer Awareness Month (April)
- International Day of Action for Women’s Health (May 28)
- Canadian Men’s Health Month (June)
- National Cancer Survivors Day (June 2)
- Men’s Health Week (June 12–18)
- National Cancer Wellness Awareness Day (June 26)
- National Self-Care Day (July 24)
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)
- HPV Prevention Week (October 1–7)
To download the graphics below, click on your preferred image—it will open in a new tab. Right-click and select “Save image as” to download it to your device.
Alternatively, you can download all the social media graphics at once here.
Instagram (1080 x 1350px)
Facebook and LinkedIn (1200 x 1200px)
Copy and paste the text below to use in your social media posts.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer, but it is treatable – especially when found early. If you are over 50, talk to your healthcare provider about colorectal cancer screening. 🌈 Cancer screenings are an important part of 2SLGBTQ+ health! #GetScreened #CancerScreening #CancerAwareness #2SLGBTQHealth @RainbowHealthOntario 🔗 More info and resources: get-screened.ca