North West LGB women cervical screening academic report
An academic report produced from the findings of the 'Are you ready for your screen test?' research project, in partnership with the University of Salford.
This demonstration project, delivered by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) in partnership with the University of Salford, builds on the findings of a comprehensive systematic review (Fish 2009), which exposed the gaps in the current evidence base regarding cervical screening uptake and accessibility for LGB women, and evaluates methods to increase awareness and enhance participation in cervical screening programmes.
Women aged between 25-64 years in England are invited for regular cervical screening under a national Cervical Screening Programme.
National policy offers screening every three years for women aged 25-49 and every five years for those aged 50-64, although women outside such age ranges may be invited to be screened should a need be identified.
Screening detects abnormalities within the cervix that if left untreated could develop into cancer.
It is important to note that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme of adolescent girls in the UK will lead to a substantial change in cervical cancer, which in the future will have an effect on cervical screening.
Although it may reduce the frequency for cervical screening of those vaccinated, screening will still be required as the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV and it is not guaranteed to prevent cervical cancer.
The incidence of cervical cancer varies according to the area in which women reside, with higher than the national average rates being detected amongst women from more deprived areas. For example prevalence in the East and South of England has been found to be considerably lower for women compared to those living in the North and the Midlands.
Indeed, women, living in less affluent areas (such as the North West) are not only at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer but more likely to die from the disease compared to women living in more affluent areas of the country.
This research study targets LGB women in the North West who are less likely to access health care compared to the general population of women, indicating the need to target specific health measures for LGB women specifically in order to ensure improved physical health and cancer outcomes in the longer term.
North West LGB Women Cervical Screening Academic ReportNorth West LGB Women Cervical
Screening Academic Report
Released/updated: 2011
An academic report produced from the findings of the 'Are you ready for your screen test?' research project, in partnership with the University of Salford.
ISBN: 978-1-907842-13-9