Blog
Queer Bits: Caz's Story
Caroline “Caz” Morreale developed Queer Bits following her own experience of breast cancer and the barriers she encountered as a lesbian accessing healthcare.
Part of Brunswick’s wider focus on LGBTQ+ wellbeing, Queer Bits encourages LGBTQ+ people across Calderdale and Kirklees to know their bodies, attend the cancer screening that is right for them and seek medical advice when something does not feel right.
The campaign provides clear and inclusive information about breast and chest cancer, cervical cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer and anal cancer. It aims to challenge myths, start conversations and help LGBTQ+ people feel more confident looking after their health.
Caroline said:
“I developed Queer Bits following my own experience of breast cancer and because I know first-hand how uncomfortable and excluding healthcare can sometimes feel for LGBTQ+ people.
“But the campaign is about much more than my own story. It is about making sure people have the right information, understand their bodies and feel able to attend screening or ask for help without fear of judgement or discrimination.”
Caroline’s own experience has shaped the campaign from the beginning.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 42, despite having a healthy lifestyle and no known family history. She had experienced symptoms for around 11 months before finding a lump.
Her experience reinforced just how important it is to know what is normal for your body, notice changes and keep speaking up when something does not feel right.
Caroline has also experienced some of the additional barriers LGBTQ+ people can face when accessing healthcare.
When registering at a GP surgery, she was called back to reception and told she had ticked the wrong box on an equality monitoring form because she had selected “lesbian”.
At other appointments, she has faced inappropriate assumptions about contraception, pregnancy and whether she had a husband.
Caroline said:
“I am confident in my identity and can often laugh about some of the things that have happened to me. But these experiences can feel upsetting, exhausting or even traumatic.
“One difficult or insensitive experience can be enough to stop someone going back. That could mean an important check is missed or a diagnosis is delayed.”
LGBTQ+ people can face additional barriers when accessing cancer screening and healthcare.
These can include discrimination, stigma, gender dysphoria, myths and misconceptions, and having to repeatedly explain their identity during appointments.
Trans and non-binary people can face additional practical barriers to screening too. For example, changing the gender marker on an NHS record can affect which automatic screening invitations someone receives.
Queer Bits aims to make this information easier to understand and help people feel more confident asking questions about the screening and support that is right for them.
The message is simple: know what is normal for your body, be aware of changes and seek advice if something does not feel right.
Caroline recently appeared on Gayle Lofthouse’s show on BBC Radio Leeds, where she shared her experience of breast cancer and talked about why she created Queer Bits. By sharing her story, Caz hopes to encourage more LGBTQ+ people to feel confident talking about cancer, checking their bodies and accessing screening and healthcare.
Caroline's story and the Queer Bits campaign have also been featured in the Halifax Courier, highlighting the importance of more inclusive cancer awareness and screening for LGBTQ+ communities.
Queer Bits has also received the Pride in Diversity Inclusive Healthcare Initiative Award, recognising its accessible and community-focused approach.
Caroline added:
“Queer Bits uses warmth, humour and straightforward information to make difficult conversations easier.
“The message is simple. Know your body, attend the screenings that are right for you and do not ignore something that feels unusual.
“Your Queer Bits deserve care and attention, and so do you.”
It also forms part of Well Proud, Brunswick’s programme of LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing activity across Calderdale and Kirklees. Well Proud brings together campaigns, projects and services covering areas including cancer awareness, mental health, sexual health, substance use, smoking and domestic abuse.
Find out more about Queer Bits, including links to trusted cancer information, screening and support resources.