Open AccessCervical Cancer Screening in Transgender Men in El Salvador: A Pilot Study
Author(s) -
Mario Meléndez,
Alejandra Herrera,
Xavier Hernández,
Bryam Rodríguez,
Montserrat Soler,
Karla Alfaro,
Rachel Masch,
Miriam Cremer,
Mauricio Maza
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of global oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.002
H-Index - 17
ISSN - 2378-9506
DOI - 10.1200/jgo.18.40000
Subject(s) - medicine , papanicolaou stain , transgender , cervical cancer , colposcopy , gynecology , family medicine , population , test (biology) , papanicolaou test , cancer , obstetrics , environmental health , psychology , paleontology , psychoanalysis , biology
Abstract 27 Purpose Transgender persons are particularly vulnerable to a lack of adequate health care, particularly with regard to sexual and reproductive health. In El Salvador, where cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer death, transgender men are at high risk of developing this disease. Whereas the Papanicolaou test is the most widely used screening method for cervical cancer, there are reports of high numbers of unsatisfactory results among transgender men compared with nontransgender persons. Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing may be a more viable screening option in this population. In this pilot study, we assessed the feasibility of cervical cancer screening among transgender men using a self-sampling HPV test as an alternative to the Papanicolaou test.Methods Participants were transgender men of the Organización Generación Hombres Trans El Salvador (Trans Men Generation Organization of El Salvador) between age 19 and 55 years. After obtaining informed consent, a questionnaire was administered to 24 participants to collect sociodemographic, lifestyle, and sexual behavior data, and to assess knowledge about cervical cancer prevention. Participants then performed a vaginal, self-sampling HPV test. Participants who received a positive HPV result were offered a colposcopy evaluation.Results Almost all participants—23 of 24—agreed to conduct vaginal self-sampling. Of these, three (13%) of 23 participants tested positive, with the remainder obtaining a negative result. Colposcopies and biopsies were accepted by all three participants who tested positive. One participant was diagnosed with CIN3, whereas two2 were diagnosed with CIN1.Conclusion There is limited information on cervical cancer prevention among transgender men, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Use of HPV self-sampling tests is a viable method that can significantly improve participation in and acceptance of screening in this vulnerable population. HPV testing may reduce the number of unsatisfactory results generated when using Papanicolaou tests as a screening method.AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST No COIs from the authors.