Reframing the Pap Test as an Act of Self-Care: Cervical Cancer Screening Among the Gender Diverse

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease by routine screening and is a significant health concern for individuals with a cervix, including transgender men and others within the gender minority. Despite the importance of cervical cancer screening, transgender men are less likely to be screened for cervical cancer than cisgender women. This project implements evidence-based health promotion strategies to increase awareness and discuss the importance of cervical cancer screening specifically for those within the gender diverse community. For this project, staff at a community health clinic in the urban southwest distributed informational brochures within the community and the clinic. Five participants consented to complete a survey to determine if there was a knowledge change regarding cervical cancer, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the examination, and transgender considerations after reading the brochure. Human subject participants were protected through Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Descriptive statistics were completed. Results indicate success in enhancing understanding and engagement with cervical health practices among brochure recipients. This project contributes valuable insights to the limited body of research in this area, shedding light on the efficacy of targeted interventions for improving cervical cancer awareness and preventive behaviors among the transgender population. The findings hold implications for future public health initiatives aiming to address the unique healthcare needs of transgender individuals.