"Pink is my least favorite color": experiences of sexual minority women and partners navigating breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Studies describing breast cancer care experiences of sexual minority women (SMW) and partners of survivors are lacking. Using a community-engaged approach, we characterized barriers to quality, person-centered care and quality of life outcomes in sexual minority breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Sexual minority breast cancer survivors and partners participated in a brief survey and 60-minute qualitative interview. Data were analyzed using applied thematic analysis using NVivo software. FINDINGS: Participants were survivors (n = 14), partners (n = 5), and individuals who were both survivors and partners (n = 4). Three themes describe the influence of sexual orientation on the cancer experience; influence of cancer treatment on sexuality, gender experience, and relationships; and advice for other SMW survivors and breast cancer clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: Significant gaps in breast cancer care delivery were identified, warranting clinical education, resources, and interventions to improve SMW breast cancer care.