Australia has three national cancer screening programs to find early signs of bowel, breast and cervical cancer. The programs use simple tests that are free for eligible people.
It’s also important for all of us, no matter your age, to understand what is normal for your body and if you notice any unusual changes, see your doctor as soon as possible. Learn more about early signs of cancer to look out for.
We recognise that anatomical terms can feel uncomfortable or distressing and they do not reflect or define anyone’s identity. We use them here only to give clear information about cancer risk and screening.
Cervical screening for LGBTQIA+ people
Cancer Council SA recommends that everyone with a cervix get a cervical screening test every five years from the age of 25.
Regular cervical screening tests give you the best chance at detecting cervical cancer early, as it can detect changes in your body long before cancer develops.
You can have a cervical screening test done at a medical clinic or sexual health clinic, and you now have the option to do the test yourself through self-collection. There are two ways to get a cervical screening test:
- A doctor or nurse can do the test for you. You may prefer to see a gender affirming doctor.
- A self-collection test, where you do it yourself using a special type of long-handled cotton bud, in private at the clinic or at home (at-home collections are only available through certain providers, such as ShineSA.
Both options are equally safe and effective at finding early signs of cervical cancer.
The test itself is free under Medicare, but there may be a cost for the appointment. If you update your gender details with Medicare it may affect the reminders you get from the National Cancer Screening Register. Talk to your health professional to make sure you get the right screenings and reminders for you.
Hear from members of the LGBTQIA+ community about the importance of cervical screening, tips to make a cervical screening appointment safe and comfortable, and what having the option of self-collection for cervical screening means for them.
Breast screening for LGBTQIA+ people
BreastScreen SA offers free mammograms every two years for cis, trans, and gender-diverse people aged 40 and over, with screening most strongly recommended between the ages of 50 and 74.
Anyone who has taken oestrogen for five or more years is encouraged to have regular screening from age 50, as hormone exposure can increase breast cancer risk.
AFAB gender-diverse people and trans men who have not had top surgery should also be screened every two years. If you have had top surgery, your doctor can advise whether breast or chest screening is needed for you.
Talking with a clinician who understands gender-affirming care can help you choose the most appropriate screening approach based on your anatomy, hormone use, and personal or family history.
Learn more about breast screening for transgender and gender diverse people.
It’s also important that you regularly check your breasts or chest for changes that could be signs of breast cancer, including:
- a lump or lumpiness
- changes to the skin such as redness, dimpling or puckering
- changes to the nipple such as discharge or nipple inversion (nipple turns inwards)
- change to the shape or size
- pain that persists and isn’t related to your menstrual cycle.
Follow our step-by-step guide to checking your breasts or chest. If you notice any changes to your breasts or chest that are unusual for you, see you doctor as soon as possible.
If you are younger than 40 and have a family history of breast, prostate or ovarian cancer and are worried about your risk, you should speak with your doctor about your screening options.
Bowel screening for LGBTQIA+ people
Bowel cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in Australia. If found early, more than 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides free bowel screening test kits to all Australians aged 45 to 74.
The test is easy to do and private. If you are aged 50 to 74, the test kit is mailed to your home every two years. If you are aged 45 to 49, you can request your first free test kit to be mailed to your home. You will automatically receive a kit every two years once you have completed your first test.
To request your first kit, or if you need a replacement kit, order online at ncsr.gov.au or call 1800 627 701.
If you are younger than 45 or older than 75, you will not be eligible for a free home test kit from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Speak to your doctor if you are worried about your bowel cancer risk, or if you have a family history of bowel cancer. You can also purchase a bowel cancer test kit from a pharmacy for around $40.
