Cervical screening is a personal and sensitive topic. Initiating an open and
respectful conversation with all people - no matter their sexuality or gender
identity - is an important step in encouraging a patient to participate in
screening. This video has been created for healthcare providers to highlight
and address some of the barriers to cervical screening experienced by people
who identify as lesbian gay bisexual transgender and gender diverse and or
intersex. In this scenario we meet 28 year-old Sarah who has a same-sex
partner. Doctorl: Sarah? Sarah: yep
The consultation is underway and before Sarah leaves her doctor asks about
cervical screening. Doctor: Okay Sarah just before you go there any other issues or
concerns you wanted to discuss today? Sarah: ah not that I can think of at the moment.
Doctor: okay, should I just see if you're up to date with a cervical screening test?
That's what we used to call the pap smear or Pap test.
Sarah: Ah, no not for today, I'm okay but thanks .anyway
Doctor: Are you sure? Can you remember the last time you had the test? Sarah: look I don't
really like talking about this to be honest. Um
the last time I had the test I had a bad experience.
So I actually avoid having it. Doctor: Sarah I'm sorry to hear that.
Would you like to tell me a little bit more about what happened? Sarah: It was a few
years ago now. But I had the test and afterwards when the doctor found out
that my partner was female. She was quite abrupt and she said that
there was, little point in her seeing me if I wasn't having sex with men. Because
it was highly unlikely that I would get cervical cancer. I was shocked and
embarrassed. Since then I've been totally confused about whether or not I even
need the test I mean I've had sex with men before but only a few times and I
mean that was a long time ago. I've avoided bringing it up with doctors
because it means I have to talk about the fact that my partner's female and I
find it awkward. And you know doctors often assume things by saying do you have a
husband? Or what contraception are you on? And it's really frustrating.
Doctor: Sarah, that's really disappointing I'm so sorry you've had that experience.
But it's really important to know that cervical cancer can affect anyone with a
cervix, regardless of their gender identity or what their sexuality is. And
so that includes people with the same sex partner and those who are gender
diverse. Sometimes it just takes time to find a doctor you can trust and have a
good rapport with. So at this clinic we see lots of patients who aren't
necessarily open about their sexuality or gender identity. And those who are. But
our staff try really hard to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable.
okay? So I'd like to tell you a little bit more about the cervical
screening test and why it's so important. Is that okay?
Sarah: Yeah the great. Thanks. Doctor: So we now have a new screening test which is used to
prevent cervical cancer. It's much better than the old tests in that it looks at
the cause of the cell changes that lead to cancer. We look for something called
the human papilloma virus, or the HPV virus, which is usually the cause of
almost all cervical cancer. And this virus is often spread through genital
skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity and that includes female to
female sex. So, what we now know is that that virus affects almost all people
with the cervix at some point during their life. And so we ask that if if
people have ever had any sexual activity be it with a man or a woman, that they
have the cervical screening test.
Sarah: Okay right, well that's eye opening. Thank you for explaining that to me. I would
like to have the test today, if you still have time? Doctor: Yes. Sara that's great.
Sarah: Can I ask, is the new test done the same way the old test was? Doctor: Yeah with the test
itself we use a speculum and we get ah sample of the cells from the cervix. Is
that okay? Sarah: Yeah that's fine Doctor: Great. So can I ask if you've ever had any abnormal
test results? Sarah: Ah no, not that I can think of. Doctor: Okay great. So before we do the test there are a few other
questions I'd like to know about your sexual health and it's just important
for me to know those details so that I can offer you the best care and advice.
Okay Sarah are you ready to have the test now? Doctor: That's great. If you'd like to follow
me over here. Sarah: Thank you so much for today, I really appreciate it. Doctor: No probs Sarah,
see you again.
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