Cervical, Breast, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates Among Sexual and Gender Minority Women in Japan: Using a Nationwide Online Survey.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Owing to the high mortality rates associated with cervical and breast cancers, increasing screening uptake is a priority. However, the current policy lacks consideration for sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). This study aimed to examine whether SGM women have lower take-up rates of these female-organ-specific cancers than non-SGM women by investigating the difference in screening frequency between them. Additionally, colorectal cancer screening was used as another outcome to determine whether the results were unique to female-organ-specific cancers.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted using a nationwide online survey in 2023. Information from women aged 20-69 years was used, with a sample size of 12,305, including 1371 SGM and 10,934 non-SGM individuals. As an outcome variable, the careening take-up of cervical and breast cancers was used, sex-specific cancer and being screened in Obstetrics and Gynecology, colorectal cancer, which is non-sex specific, and the screening is conducted at home.

RESULTS

Considering demographic characteristics and socioeconomic status as constants, a lower likelihood of screening for cervical and breast cancer was observed in SGM women than in non-SGM women (odds ratio [OR] 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69-0.88 for cervical cancer, and OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.64-0.93 for breast cancer). No difference was found between SGM and non-SGM women in colorectal cancer screening (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.80-1.16).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the sexual orientation and gender identity gap in the frequency of cervical and breast cancer screenings but not in colorectal cancer screenings. This study highlights the potential barriers faced by SGM women, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness of the unique healthcare challenges, particularly concerning female-organ-specific cancers.