One in five LGBTI Victorians with a cervix have never had a cervical screening
Image: An image from the new campaign. Image: Supplied.
A new campaign is urging LGBTI people in Victoria with a cervix to undergo regular cervical screening, as part of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week.
Run by Cancer Council Victoria and Thorne Harbour Health, the campaign aims to highlight safe, inclusive cervical screening for LGBTI people.
The latest research indicates that roughly 20 per cent of Victorians with a cervix who identify as LGBTI have never had a cervical screening.
Cancer Council Victoria’s Screening, Early Detection, and Immunisation Manager, Kate Broun, said LGBTI Victorians often avoid cervical screenings because they are embarrassed, frightened, or believe they don’t need to.
“If you have a cervix, you need a cervical screening test, no matter who you have had as a sexual partner,” she said.
“There is now a new cervical screening test available which is only needed every five years between the ages of 25 and 74.
“This campaign will help to explain to members of the LGBTI community that they are in fact at risk of cervical cancer and empower them to participate regularly in the safe and inclusive screening options available.”
The campaign features a diverse range of people, including registered nurse and passionate campaigner for inclusive screening, Sandy Anderson, and LGBTI advocate Aram Hosie.
Thorne Harbour Health’s Women’s Health Project Lead, Rachel Cook, said LGBTI communities need responses developed by people within those communities.
“We wanted the imagery across this campaign to be an authentic representation of our community,” she said.
“We are proud to support this campaign to increase participation in cervical screening and ultimately reduce cervical cancer rates within the LGBTI community.”
To find out more about the cervical screening program, along with options available for LGBTI people, visit: cervicalscreening.org.au/LGBTIQ or speak to a health professional.
