Lesbians' experiences of cervical screening

Issues addressed Lesbians have historically been advised that they are at little risk of cervical cancer because they do not engage in heterosexual sex. Recently the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been implicated as a central etiologic factor, present in more than 99.7% of cervical carcinomas. As HPV is the most frequently sexually transmitted infection in women, lesbians should participate in regular two-yearly screening. The aim of the study was to investigate cervical screening practice within the lesbian community. Method Four-hundred and nine lesbians completed a self-report survey at Victoria's Midsumma Carnival Day, an annual gay and lesbian community event, assessing their cervical screening history and experience. Results Sixty-six per cent of respondents were well screened, 22% were under-screened, and 12% had never had a Pap test. Women were more likely to be well screened if they were aged 40+ years, if their health care provider knew they were lesbian and was aware of lesbian-specific health issues, and if they had never been advised as ineligible. Compared with well-screened women, a greater proportion of under-screened women found deciding to have a Pap test, choosing a practitioner, and making an appointment as barriers to screening. Conclusion Similar rates of reported cervical screening and cervical abnormalities in the general population and this sample indicate similar risk of cervical cancer.