Lesbians are the target of a new NHS drive to increase cervical screening tests after a recent report uncovered a “misinformed public” in Scotland.
The Scottish Cervical Cancer Screening programme found that many lesbian and bisexual women - who although might recognise the risk of the disease - associate it with heterosexual women.
The report found knowledge gaps could be filled with misinformation - for example that there is no risk to women who do not currently have sex with men - that in turn leads to a decision not to attend a screening.
The NHS in Scotland is now issuing leaflets in response to the research into women’s current attitudes to screening and is urging women to add the life-saving task to their schedule.
Carol Colquhoun, national screening programme co-ordinator said: “We want to encourage as many women as possible to go for their cervical screening test.
“We’ve listened to what women told us and have introduced new leaflets that provide women with the answers and reassurance they are looking for.”
Cervical screening provides a test for early identification of changes in cells in the neck of the womb so these can be treated. The test saves around 5000 lives in the UK every year and has prevented 8 out of 10 cervical cancers from developing.
Colquhoun added: “Every year in Scotland more than 300,000 women are invited for screening yet a quarter of them do not take up the invitation. I would urge all women invited for cervical screening to put it on their list. Ignoring the invitation leaves women unprotected from the early signs of cervical cancer.”
Posters are also being made available for use in GP surgeries, pharmacies, libraries and universities to encourage women to find out more about the test.
Public Health Minister Shona Robison said: “Cervical screening helps save lives, it's as simple as that.
“The more information women have about why screening is important and how it helps save lives, the better.
“That's why these new leaflets are so important. They explain to women simply, clearly and sensitively what to expect. I hope women find them informing and reassuring.”