Sexual and Gender Minorities' Experience with Cervical Cancer Screening: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies.

Authors

Wenqiong Yu, Zaneta Smith

Published in

Journal of homosexuality. Pages 1-30. Aug 27, 2026. Epub Aug 27, 2026.

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated less frequent and/or lower lifelong cervical cancer screening (CCS) attendance in sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations due to a variety of reasons. The objective of this review is to explore SGMs' experience in CCS. This review considered the studies with qualitative evidence on SGMs' experiences of CCS. The PICo framework was used in study selection. CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and ProQuest were searched. All studies were published in English between 1^st Jan 2020 and 14^th Aug 2025. JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence was used in this review. Nine studies were included in this review. Three synthesized findings were developed: 1) Participants' experience about CCS and intrapersonal factors affecting CCS attendance; 2) Healthcare providers' (HCPs') advice, attitude and behavior when interacting with SGM groups; and 3) Barriers to CCS and interventions from institutional/system level. The findings recommend SGM-specific CCS guidelines to provide clear information for both SGMs and HCPs, and education in cultural competency for all staff. The findings also indicate the potential of SGM dedicated clinics and self-sampling of CCS. Additionally, the findings suggest that future research is needed on different sub-groups of SGM populations as well as in low- and middle-income countries.

PMID:
42659613
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 28 Aug 2026.

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