Cervical Health Awareness Month: Trans Men and Genderqueer/Gender Nonconforming

[Shana A]

Cervical Health Awareness Month: Trans Men and Genderqueer/Gender Nonconforming People

http://transgenderequality.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/cervical-health-awareness-month-trans-men-and-genderqueergender-nonconforming-people/

January is cervical health awareness month, and NCTE wants to remind everyone that cervical health is a critical issue for trans men and genderqueer/gender nonconforming folks.

Anyone with a cervix can contract cervical cancer, so this means that lots of trans men and genderqueer/gender nonconforming people are at risk. But because trans people face widespread discrimination from health care providers and insurance plans, they often avoid seeking or cannot access preventive care. According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, nearly half (48%) of trans men reported postponing or avoiding preventive care out to fear of discrimination and disrespect. One in five trans men also reported being refused health care because of their gender identity. Cervical cancer is preventable through regular screening and treatment where necessary, which means that trans men who aren't getting preventive care are likely at greater risk of developing the disease.