Cervical screening among LGBTQ people: how affirming services may aid in achieving cervical cancer elimination targets

ABSTRACT

To reach cervical cancer elimination targets it is necessary to increase screening rates among underserved populations such as LGBTQ communities. This paper examines rates of attendance and associated factors of cervical screening in LGBTQ communities. Data from 2,424 people aged 25 to 74 years and assigned female at birth were drawn from an online national Australian survey of LGBTQ adults. Over half of the sample had accessed cervical screening in the past 2 years. Using a multivariable logistic regression analysis, significant associations were found between screening, sociodemographic traits and health-care access. Trans men were least likely to access cervical screening, while bisexual, pansexual and queer identified participants were most likely to access screening. People who lived outside inner-suburban areas and those who had a disability were less likely to have had screening. Evidence of trusting relationships with a general practitioner (having a regular GP and GP’s knowledge of the individual’s LGBTQ identity) increased the likelihood that participants had screened, as did recent access to a medical service that was LGBTQ-inclusive or catered specifically to LGBTQ communities. The findings suggest the importance of training health providers, as well as targeted public health messaging for increasing uptake of cervical screening among LGBTQ people.

KEYWORDS:

• Bisexual
• cervical cancer
• lesbian
• LGBTQ
• queer
• screening
• transgender

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank those who supported this research and gave valuable support, advice, and feedback at various stages of this study, including the Private Lives 3 Expert Advisory Group and Gender Advisory Board, as well as the many other individuals and organizations who assisted at various stages of the study, and all of the survey participants for sharing their experiences.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The Private Lives 3 study from which this data was drawn was funded by the Victorian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services. Secondary analyses of data concerning cervical screening were made possible by funding from the Cancer Council Victoria with the support of the Victorian Government.