Be Seen. Get Screened.

Be Seen. Get Screened. 2SLGBTQ+ Cancer Screening Awareness Campaign

Rainbow Health Ontario’s Be Seen. Get Screened. campaign addresses cancer disparities in 2SLGBTQ+ communities through a provincewide 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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

Social Media Toolkit

Use the inspiration text and graphics below to promote the Be Seen. Get Screened. cancer awareness screening campaign.

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.

Cancer Awareness Dates

  • 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)

Inspiration Text

Copy and paste the text below to use in your social media posts.





File Download

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.