Cervical screening for LGBTIQA+ people

A cervical screening test is recommended every five years for:

• Women and people with a cervix
• aged 25-74;
• who have ever been sexually active.

You can now choose how you would like to do the test. The doctor or nurse can do the test for you, or you can ask to do the test yourself (self-collection). Self-collection involves using a long-handled cotton swab to take a sample of fluid from the vagina / front hole.
Both options are equally safe and effective at finding early signs of cervical cancer.
The test is free, but there may be a cost for the appointment. You can ask for a female health professional to do your test. You might prefer to see a gender affirming doctor.

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Anyone with a cervix can get HPV – regardless of sexually.  The cervical screening test looks for HPV, and completing the test every five years can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.

LGBTIQA+ women and gender diverse people share their experiences with cervical screening, and the self-collection option.

Transgender and gender diverse people share their experiences with cervical screening, and the self-collection option.

Information and tips for health professionals to make a cervical screening appointment safe and comfortable, spoken by people who have had the test before.

A Cervical Screening Test involves taking a swab of the cervix or vagina to look for signs of HPV. Most cases of HPV clear up on their own and do not require treatment. However, if some types of HPV remain in the body for a long time, they can cause changes to your cells. Doing a cervical screening test every five years from the age of 25 means the GP or nurse can monitor or investigate HPV if needed.
It is recommended that women and people with a cervix have a Cervical Screening Test every five years.

You can access self-collection anywhere that you would normally have a Cervical Screening Test, such as a GP clinic or sexual health clinic. When making your appointment, it is recommended that you ask if the self-collection option is available at the clinic.
You can also access self-collection through SHINE SA’s Free Telehealth Self-Collect Cervical Screening, which is available to a range of people, including the LGBTIQA+ community.

Some people may not be eligible for self-collection, such as those with a previous history of an abnormal test results, or people who are experiencing symptoms. Speak with your GP, nurse or Aboriginal Health Worker to confirm if self-collection is right for you.

• Find a gender affirming doctor
• SHINE SA’s free telehealth appointments for the self-collection option
• CAN WE – ACON’s conversation on cervical screening
• Cancer Council SA – Cancer screening for LGBTIQA+ communities
• Get Papped Practitioner Directory – check them out on Instagram @getpapped