title: Lesbians' attitudes and practices of cervical cancer screening: a qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cervical cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in women, and since the introduction of the Papanicolaou test (Pap test or Pap smear), the incidence of cervical cancer and mortality rates worldwide have declined substantially. However significant disparities have been identified between the cervical screening rates of heterosexual and lesbian women. This study explores the attitudes and practices that lesbians have towards cervical cancer screening and aims to identify why such disparities occur.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative methodology based on feminist perspectives was used to collect narrative data from lesbians about their attitudes and practices of cervical screening through the use of semi structured interviews. Nine women who self-identified as lesbian that were living in New South Wales were recruited for the study. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four main themes emerged from the data namely: Encountering cervical cancer: "my friends had some early cancer cells detected", Misconceptions related to risk: "I am a lesbian I don't need one", Imposed screening: "It's a requirement of IVF treatment" and, Promoting cervical screening: "I think it should be spoken about in schools".
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Consistent with the literature, the findings show that the majority of these women do not undertake cervical screening at the recommended rate. This study highlights the multiple and complex issues related to cervical cancer screening for lesbians, mainly through misconceptions and underestimation of risk. Specific and targeted educational and promotional strategies are required for both lesbians and health professionals to enhance cervical cancer screening rates for lesbians in Australia.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia. C.curmi@uws.edu.au.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Curmi
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia. k.peters@uws.edu.au.
authors.forename: Kath
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia. y.salamonson@uws.edu.au.
authors.forename: Yenna
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Salamonson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D036301:Qualitative Research; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control