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Provision of cervical screening for transmasculine patients: a review of clinical and programmatic guidelines

Nicholls, Emily Jay; McGowan, Catherine R; Miles, Sam; Baxter, Louisa; Dix, Laura; Rowlands, Sebastian; McCartney, Daniel; (2022) Provision of cervical screening for transmasculine patients: a review of clinical and programmatic guidelines. BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health 10.1136/bmjsrh-2022-201526. (In press). Green open access

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Abstract

Background Most cervical cancer can be prevented through routine screening. Disparities in uptake of routine screening therefore translate into disparities in cervical cancer incidence and outcomes. Transmasculine people including transgender men experience multiple barriers to cervical screening and their uptake of screening is low compared with cisgender women. Comprehensive evidence-based guidelines are needed to improve cervical screening for this group. Methods We searched for and synthesised clinical and programmatic guidelines for the provision of cervical screening for transmasculine patients. Findings The guidelines offer recommendations addressing: (1) reception, check-in and clinic facilities; (2) patient data and invitation to screening; (3) improving inclusion in screening programmes; and (4) sexual history taking, language and identity. Guidelines offer strategies for alleviating physical and psychological discomfort during cervical screening and recommendations on what to do if the screening procedure cannot be completed. Most of the guidelines were from and for high-income countries. Discussion The evidence base is limited, but existing guidelines provide recommendations to ensure life-saving screening services are available to all who need them. We were only able to identify one set of guidelines for a middle-income country, and none for low-income countries. We encourage the involvement of transmasculine people in the development of future guidelines.

Type: Article
Title: Provision of cervical screening for transmasculine patients: a review of clinical and programmatic guidelines
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2022-201526
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsrh-2022-201526
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute for Global Health
URI: https://discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10159099
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