Screening Saves Lives: Cancer screening knowledge, awareness and practices among LGBTIQA+ Western Australians
1
Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
2
Women and Newborn Health Service, North Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
3
North Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
4
Cancer Network WA, North Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Cancer remains a significant health concern for LGBTIQASB+ Australians, with an estimated 7,500 new diagnoses and more than 23,000 survivors each year.1 The WA Cancer Plan 2020–25 seeks to reduce the burden of cancer and explicitly recognises the distinct needs of LGBTIQASB+ communities.2 Despite this, persistent disparities in cancer prevention, screening, and care continue to affect LGBTIQASB+ people3, contributing to exclusion, inadequate support, and heightened psychological distress. 4,5 Until recently, Australian cancer support resources have also lacked LGBTIQASB+-specific information.6 The Screening Saves Lives campaign was launched in Western Australia (WA) in 2021 to increase awareness of, and engagement with, bowel, breast, and cervical cancer screening among LGBTIQASB+ communities. Campaign materials prominently featured LGBTIQASB+ community members and were disseminated through LGBTIQASB+ networks, social media, community organisations, and healthcare providers.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional online survey of self-identified LGBTIQASB+ adults living in metropolitan WA who met screening eligibility criteria was used to evaluate the campaign. The evaluation assessed campaign awareness, knowledge of cancer and screening, and self-reported behavioural intentions.
RESULTS:
A total of 433 participants completed the survey. The sample was predominantly women aged 30–39 years, Australian-born, English-speaking, and tertiary-educated, highlighting broader demographic representation in future evaluations, particularly among older adults and culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Notably, 6.9% of respondents identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. One-third of respondents recalled each core campaign message; over 80% reported positive perceptions of the campaign materials. Inclusive representation was widely acknowledged, and opportunities for strengthening inclusivity were identified. Importantly, 70% of respondents reported intentions to screen for cancer following campaign exposure. Persistent barriers included fear, discomfort, embarrassment, and limited knowledge of screening options, particularly cervical self-collection.
CONCLUSIONS:
Future efforts should address emotional and psychological barriers and reinforce the critical role of regular screening in early detection and timely treatment interventions.
Cancer remains a significant health concern for LGBTIQASB+ Australians, with an estimated 7,500 new diagnoses and more than 23,000 survivors each year.1 The WA Cancer Plan 2020–25 seeks to reduce the burden of cancer and explicitly recognises the distinct needs of LGBTIQASB+ communities.2 Despite this, persistent disparities in cancer prevention, screening, and care continue to affect LGBTIQASB+ people3, contributing to exclusion, inadequate support, and heightened psychological distress. 4,5 Until recently, Australian cancer support resources have also lacked LGBTIQASB+-specific information.6 The Screening Saves Lives campaign was launched in Western Australia (WA) in 2021 to increase awareness of, and engagement with, bowel, breast, and cervical cancer screening among LGBTIQASB+ communities. Campaign materials prominently featured LGBTIQASB+ community members and were disseminated through LGBTIQASB+ networks, social media, community organisations, and healthcare providers.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional online survey of self-identified LGBTIQASB+ adults living in metropolitan WA who met screening eligibility criteria was used to evaluate the campaign. The evaluation assessed campaign awareness, knowledge of cancer and screening, and self-reported behavioural intentions.
RESULTS:
A total of 433 participants completed the survey. The sample was predominantly women aged 30–39 years, Australian-born, English-speaking, and tertiary-educated, highlighting broader demographic representation in future evaluations, particularly among older adults and culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Notably, 6.9% of respondents identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. One-third of respondents recalled each core campaign message; over 80% reported positive perceptions of the campaign materials. Inclusive representation was widely acknowledged, and opportunities for strengthening inclusivity were identified. Importantly, 70% of respondents reported intentions to screen for cancer following campaign exposure. Persistent barriers included fear, discomfort, embarrassment, and limited knowledge of screening options, particularly cervical self-collection.
CONCLUSIONS:
Future efforts should address emotional and psychological barriers and reinforce the critical role of regular screening in early detection and timely treatment interventions.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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