Cancer Council Victoria and Thorne Harbour Health are urging healthcare professionals to speak to their LGBTIQ+ patients about the self-collection option for cervical screening, with the launch of their new Public Cervix Announcement campaign.
LGBTIQ+ people with a cervix often face greater barriers to cervical screening and are less likely to participate than non-LGBTIQ+ people. Some of the barriers include misconceptions around their need to screen, fear of discrimination and previous negative healthcare experiences.
Self-collection can remove significant barriers to cervical screening by providing a level of control and choice for patients and can help increase screening rates in LGBTIQ+ communities by providing a more private and less invasive option.
Self-collection is just as accurate for the detection of HPV and cervical pre-cancer as a clinician-collected test.
Speak to your patients who are due or overdue about the self-collection option to help protect them against cervical cancer.
You can find more information about screening for LGBTIQ+ communities and download or order resources to share with your patients here.
The Cancer Council Victoria website also has a dedicated campaign landing page with real stories from people in the LGBTIQ+ community, information and tips to help everyone with a cervix access cervical screening that is right for them.
Share the webpage with your patients and ensure they have the information and support they need to access this life-saving test: cancervic.org.au/everyone-with-a-cervix
Disclaimer: This article was provided by Cancer Council Victoria. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
