Cervical Screening Information for Transgender Patients

Cervical screening is a free NHS test that is carried out at your GP surgery or at some sexual health clinics. The test looks for early changes in the cells of the cervix. Cervical screening aims to prevent cancer from developing in the cervix (neck of the womb). It is important to go for screening as finding changes before they become cancer gives you the best chance of successful treatment. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), and the sample taken at your screening is tested for the virus. HPV is very common– most people will be infected with it at some point in their life. It can be passed on through any type of sexual activity. Screening will not prevent all cancers and not all cancers can be cured. Taking part in cervical screening is your choice. You can find out more information from your GP or by visiting NHS.UK or NHS population screening: information for trans and non-binary people – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Can I be screened if I’m not registered as female? Anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64 is eligible for cervical screening. If you wish to have cervical screening and receive invitations, reminders and results automatically, you can now opt-in to this service. This means that your name, date of birth, address and NHS number can be added to the national cervical screening database and you will receive invitations and results (currently by letter) automatically.

I haven’t changed my NHS number do I still need to opt in? If you have changed your gender from female then yes, you need to opt in, even if your NHS number hasn’t changed. This is so that we have your up to date personal details and we have your permission to contact you. If you haven’t changed your NHS number but you received national invitations in the past and had screening tests, your previous history will remain on your record and will inform when your next screening invitation is sent.

I have changed my NHS number, does this make any difference? If you have changed your NHS number as part of your gender change, it is important to be aware that any previous screening test results you had will not transfer to your new NHS number. Please make sure your sample taker is aware of any previous abnormal cervical screening tests or colposcopy investigations that you may have had so that they can inform the laboratory that receives your screening sample.

What will happen to my information? Identifiable patient data, including your screening results, will be held on the secure national cervical screening database, which is available to NHS staff working in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme and designated NHS England staff. This enables staff to manage the care of patients through the screening programme as well as carry out audit and ensure high quality standards are maintained. Only specifically authorised staff are able to access this information, and you can be reassured that everyone is subject to mandatory NHS confidentiality requirements. This will identify you as someone who has a cervix, so you can have the appropriate cervical screening. Your screening results will also be recorded in your GP records.

If you are a transgender patient with a cervix and do not receive cervical screening reminders but would like to, please contact the surgery and we can arrange for this to be done.