Cervical cancer

"The greatest risk factor for cervical cancer is not sex, but not being screened."
Lesbians and Cervical Screening by Fish and Wilkinson 2000

Cervical cancer has been linked to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It is believed that this type of Human Papilloma Virus may be transmitted between women. So all women, including lesbian and bisexual women need smear tests. This includes lesbians who have never had sex with men or who haven’t had sex with men for many years.

There is evidence that lesbians are being misinformed by their GPs or practice nurses. They are told that they do not need a smear and are being sent away when they ask for one or are routinely called.

This incorrect information then spreads amongst lesbians themselves. A patient may be only too willing to believe that she does not need one and then fewer lesbians come forward for a smear test. This results in the incidence of cervical cancer being higher than it needs to be.

Data collected from the Audre Lorde and Bernhard sexual health clinics for lesbians showed smear abnormalities in 10% of lesbians. It’s believed that 80% of women have had penetrative sex with a man in the past. Over 10% of this group surveyed had smear abnormalities. Around 5% of lesbians, who have never had penetrative sex with a man also had cervical abnormality. (Bailey 1997)

So tell your friends that they do need a smear test!