HPV is passed on through any type of sexual activity, meaning that anyone who is sexually active could contract the virus.Ĭervical screening and HPV testing is the best way to prevent cervical cancer, but too many people who are eligible are not taking up the offer. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that affects the mouth, throat and genital area, and most people get some form of it in their lifetime. “We also know that NHS screening services need to be inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual trans and non-binary people, and I’m delighted to have been asked to help the NHS address these issues and more.” If you’ve got a cervix, you can get cervical cancer, and as cervical cancer is preventable people should take up their regular screening appointments. “Let’s be clear: cancer does not discriminate. “The misleading information that gay and bisexual women aren’t at risk of this disease is one of the most dangerous myths around, because it has created a screening gap for thousands, which is a major concern for our community. The NHS Long Term Plan sets out action to tackle major killers like cancer and a renewed focus on prevention.Ĭharities have previously warned of the common misconception that women who have sex with women do not need to be screened, even though the virus that causes cervical cancer is passed on through any type of sexual activity.ĭr Michael Brady said: “Pride Week is an opportunity to give a platform to the issues facing LGBT people, and little is more important than ensuring everyone has the information and services they need to stay healthy and avoid major illness. Speaking at the Royal Society of Medicine’s ‘Pride in Medicine’ event later today (Saturday), NHS national advisor for LGBT health Dr Brady will say the figures are “a major concern”, and will urge everyone who is eligible to come forward and get screened.Īn estimated four out of five cases of cervical cancer, 83%, could be prevented if everyone attended regular screenings. However, any sexual activity can pass on the virus which causes the vast majority of cervical cancers, Dr Michael Brady warned.Īnalysis of data from the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Foundation has revealed that nearly one in five – 19% – of LGB women who are eligible for cervical screening has never been to an appointment. Up to 50,000 lesbian, gay and bisexual women have never been for a cervical cancer screening test because they wrongly think they are not at risk.
The common belief that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) women are not at risk of cervical cancer is fake news that has created a dangerous screening gap, the NHS has warned today.