A pioneering cancer charity in the UK has launched a remarkable cervical screening awareness campaign specifically tailored to the LGBTQ+ community. Live Through This, the only specialist cancer charity for LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK, has introduced the Remove the Doubt campaign to address the inequalities and misinformation surrounding smear tests that affect LGBTQ+ people across the country.
Named aptly, Remove the Doubt aims to dispel uncertainties surrounding both one’s health status and the ability to access safe and comfortable treatment. While the NHS’s cervical screening program is open to anyone between the ages of 25 and 64 with a cervix, including women, trans men, non-binary individuals assigned female at birth, and some intersex individuals, research shows that LGBTQ+ people are less likely to undergo vital screenings.
Shockingly, 15 percent of lesbian and bisexual women over the age of 25 have never had a smear test, compared to the general population of women over 25 at seven percent. Disturbingly, a study conducted by Stonewall in 2018 revealed that 14 percent of LGBTQ+ people, and a staggering 37 percent of trans individuals, have avoided seeking healthcare services out of fear of discrimination.
One of the primary reasons for the lower uptake of cervical screenings among LGBTQ+ individuals is the prevalence of myths, such as the false belief that lesbians do not require such tests. Moreover, systemic issues contribute to the problem, with trans men and non-binary individuals often not being invited for smear tests.
PinkNews had the opportunity to interview Stewart O’Callaghan, the founder and CEO of Live Through This, regarding the significance of the Remove the Doubt initiative for the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing resistance to inclusive language in healthcare. O’Callaghan emphasized placing the community at the forefront of the campaign, empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their healthcare needs. The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone can take proactive steps towards self-care.
By prioritizing lived experiences and engaging in LGBTQ+ focus groups, the Remove the Doubt campaign takes into account the diverse array of individuals who require access to cervical smears. Additionally, the campaign provides webinars for NHS sample takers, educating them on the appropriate language to use when referring to the LGBTQ+ community’s bodies and ensuring respectful treatment and improved appointment experiences for LGBTQ+ patients.
O’Callaghan’s personal journey as a cancer survivor with a deep commitment to LGBTQ+ cancer care has made them acutely aware of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly concerning trans healthcare. Despite the increasing hostility towards trans healthcare in the UK, O’Callaghan believes that these obstacles underscore the importance of the mission and the need to persevere.
The resistance to inclusive language in healthcare is evident against the backdrop of escalating anti-trans sentiment in the UK and the US. Recently, Calderdale Council in West Yorkshire had to remove an inclusively-worded tweet about cervical screenings due to a transphobic backlash. The tweet, which encouraged individuals aged 25 to 64 with a cervix to attend free cervical cancer screenings, received backlash from those who perceived it as an attempt to “erase women” by using inclusive language.
While some critics resist changes in language, O’Callaghan firmly believes that trans and non-binary individuals deserve to be included in life-saving healthcare initiatives. They stress