New Report Reveals Cervical Cancer Virus Can Be Transmitted By Lesbians In Same Sex Relationships
Posted: 21st Jan 2010 Author: Michelle Penny Topics: Health
A new report published by Dr Julie Fish from De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester, K which is being used as part the NHS Cervical Screening Programme 2009 Annual Review, has found that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is present in almost 100% of cervical cancer cases can be transmitted in lesbian relationships.
Previously it had been believed that the HPV virus could only transmitted through heterosexual relationship which had lead many to assume that lesbians were not at rest and so did not need to be screened. However the research found that whilst some lesbians have never had any form of sexual relations with a man around 80% of lesbians have, and that any exchange of bodily fluids can transmit HPV meaning a woman could be infected by her female partner.
The research by Dr Fish also highlights that lesbians often feel discouraged from having cervical screening by GPs and practice nurses due to the fact the medical staff often ask heterosexual related questions, such as when they last had sex with their male partner and what contraception they use. Acting to create a discourse that cervical screening is therefore only necessary for heterosexual women, Dr Fish is now calling for the NHS to provide clearer information to lesbians about cervical cancer sceening, and to dispel the myths that exist.
Samantha Days, services manager for the Lesbian & Gay Foundation backed up Dr Fish’s call for clearer information and education saying “We take quite a few inquiries about cervical cancer, particularly since Jade Goody’s battle with the disease. We always encourage callers to go and be screened, and also suggest they challenge doctors or nurses who imply that it isn’t necessary.”
Professor Julietta Patnick CBE, director of the NHS Cancer Screening Programme. on commenting on the findings said “This report represents an important and very useful step in our efforts to tackle inequalities in screening uptake,”
“A clearer understanding of the transmission routes of HPV is crucial in helping to encourage all eligible women to accept screening invitations, enabling the programme to continue and improve its valuable work in detecting cancer early.
“As a result of Dr Fish’s work the NHS Cancer Screening Programme has now produced the first national screening leaflet for lesbians.”
Dr Fish, who has worked extensively as a researcher and completed projects for Stonewall, the UK gay rights organisation, responded saying “I am very pleased to have worked with the NHS Cancer Screening Programme on such an important issue. Results from last year’s National Cancer Equalities Initiatives survey made it apparent that lesbians have been a poorly represented group.
“It is a very important issue because lesbian women have died from cervical cancer in the past but I now hope that now this group of women will receive the information and care they need,” she concluded.
Via UKGayNews (story) and goodcatmum (photo)
