Take part in the important study researching access to health care

Victorian LGBTI people who have a cervix are encouraged to take part in a survey to analyse cervical screening behaviours in this community for the first time in Australia.

The survey will give researchers insights for the first time into how often LGBTI people with a cervix are attending the cervical screening and what barriers they face when accessing healthcare.

LGBTI people with a cervix have the same risk of cervical cancer as heterosexual women.

Hiranthi Perera, PapScreen Victoria Manager, hopes that the survey will be completed by many LGBTI Victorians to inform new strategies to reach this group and increase their cervical screening rates.

“PapScreen Victoria wants a better understanding of what LGBTI people face when screening for cervical cancer and accessing healthcare services in Victoria, so we can improve services in these communities.

“A common misconception is that this group don’t need cervical screening. This isn’t the case, as any person with a cervix who participates in any genital-skin to genital-skin contact needs to have a Pap test every two years,” Ms Perera said.

Ro Allen, Victoria’s first Gender and Sexuality Commissioner said this research was an important step for reducing healthcare inequities in LGBTI people.

“Cervical screening is an important public health measure and we need to ensure that all people who require it have inclusive pathways to appropriate care.

“This Australian-first survey will help to pave the way by highlighting how people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex or transgender men understand and access cervical health care.”

The research is commissioned by PapScreen Victoria, in collaboration with the Australian Centre for Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University.

For more information, visit papscreen.org.au.