Cervical Cancer screening is a service offered nationwide, but is often not taken up by lesbians, non-binary and trans guys.
You have likely either had or are soon to receive a screening invitation. That being said, in 2010, 20% of women turned down their invitation to cervical screening. In the same year, only 50% of girls offered the HPV Vaccine chose to have the potentially lifesaving jab.
When you see statistics like these, it’s not hard to see why it is now more important than ever to raise awareness of Cervical Cancer and its prevention through attending screenings and early detection.
Cervical screening is vital for anyone who is or has been, sexually active, including lesbian women, non-binary identifying folks and FTM trans people who have a cervix.
Most cervical abnormalities are caused by persistent infection with HPV (human papillomavirus). As HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, all cervix owners are at risk of contracting HPV and experiencing abnormal cervical changes. Because of the worrying statistics, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust need as much help as possible to raise awareness and spread the word about their work. There are several ways to help do this:
- Display posters/leaflets in GP surgeries, hospitals or your local library.
- Distribute leaflets at your university or college.
- Ask if your employer would allow posters to be put up e.g. in women's toilets.
- Run a stand or table with leaflets at your local hospital.
- Organise an event on behalf of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.
- Tell your story in your local newspaper.
- Spread the word - make your friends and family aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer.
- Start a conversation online - you could post on Twitter, Facebook, or Insta, or blog about Cervical Cancer, and the importance of getting screened.
It’s important to get the word out about Cervical Cancer and how to prevent it.
Speaking to other cervix owners and attending screenings is one of the best ways to detect any abnormalities and get them dealt with early on.
