Strategies to Optimize Cervical Cancer Screening Rates Among Transgender and Gender-Diverse People Assigned Female at...

Self-sampling for primary HPV detection for cervical cancer screening is now FDA-approved. Many persons interested in cervical cancer screening are eager to opt out of the invasive speculum exam and opt into the self-sampling. There is no limitation on which persons can choose self-sampling. Transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse assigned female at birth (TGD AFAB) people experience barriers such as gender dysphoria and discomfort with sensitive exams. They may find more comfort with this equivalent method of screening. However, no clinical guidelines describe the best practices to increase screening among this underserved population. Much community work needs to occur to make the language of screening gender-affirming for all participants. Solutions to currently invasive follow-up exams after abnormal screens need to be communicated in language directed by the TGD AFAB community.