At Jo’s, we work for women – that goes without saying – but we also recognise that not everyone with a cervix identifies as a woman. This week is Non-Binary Awareness Week, and this blog looks at the role of sample-taker and other GP staff in helping trans men and/or non-binary people with a cervix to feel welcomed and encouraged throughout their screening.

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer, but there are a wide range of factors which can make attendance hard.  For LGBT+ communities there can be additional challenges.

Accessing cervical screening can be difficult for many people. This can be exacerbated for trans men and/or non-binary people with a cervix who face many barriers to accessing routine cervical screening, as well as discrimination because of their gender identity.

I guess everyone has familiar thoughts which come to mind when one is en route to a cervical screening appointment.

I bet they range from the mundane – “will the room be cold?” - To – “it’s fantastic the NHS offers the chance to have cervical screening free of charge”.

I imagine that a small, but significant group of women will walk through the door as I often did thinking – what am I doing to say when they ask that question.