Regular Pap tests save lives

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Regardless of your gender identity or the biological sex of your partner, if you have a cervix, the most important step you can take toward cervical health is to get an annual pap test. If you have heard from friends, or a health care provider, that you do not need a pap test because you are a lesbian – set them straight: you do. And if it is a health care provider that told you this – find a new one.

Exposure to Human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease, is the key risk factor in developing cervical cancer. The old myth that lesbians cannot sexually transmit HPV and therefore do not need to get an annual pap test is just plain wrong. Lesbians are just as likely to have HPV as straight or bisexual women.

The Pap test is a public health success. The pap test is used to find out if cervical cancer or pre-cancerous cells are present. If found early, cervical cancer can be successfully treated, all the more reason to get the test. Some good news is that the testing protocols have changed in the last couple years. If you test negative for three consecutive years, your provider may recommend that you only get the test every third year.

If you are at least 21 years old (younger if sexually active), please get a pap test. Also, don't assume that your pap test includes screening for sexually transmitted diseases beyond HPV. You need different tests for other STDs. Learn more about STD transmission among lesbians at www.lesbianstd.com and talk to your provider.

Another big step toward cervical health is, if you are a smoker, to kick it. Tobacco use increases your risk of cervical cancer. Recent surveys in Washington State confirm what LGBT health activists have known anecdotally for some time: lesbians, bisexual men and women, gay men and transgendered folks smoke at significantly higher rates than the general population. In Washington, 19% of the general population uses tobacco compared to 38% of LGB Washingtonians 18 to 34 years old and an incredible 51% of LGB Washingtonians 35 to 54 years old.

Verbena organizes free LBT-friendly health screenings at various LBT hot spots for people with limited income and no health insurance. This program is possible because of community partnerships with Public Health - Seattle & King County's Breast and Cervical Health Program, Puget Sound Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Swedish Comprehensive Breast Center, and the YWCA of Seattle King and Snohomish Counties. The screenings include a pap test, pelvic exam, clinical breast exam, and -- if needed -- mammogram. Public Health Family Planning clinics also provide free or low-cost pap tests. Lastly, Verbena joins with Country Doctor Community Health Clinic to provide a weekly free LBT-specific health clinic.

Learn more about pap tests, cervical cancer, and other important health information for LBT folks.

Verbena's free 10-week Out to Quit tobacco cessation groups start every two months. A group is starting up in January for all the folks making New Year resolutions. To learn more about the health screenings, Verbena Health Clinic, or tobacco cessation call Verbena at 206-323-6540.

Cervical health starts with getting a simple test. The take home message is that the need for a pap test is determined by the presence of a cervix. If you have one, you need a pap test. Cervical health is also about taking care of yourself in broader ways: kick the tobacco, moderate alcohol use, eat well, and be proactive with your health.

To your health,

# # #