LGBTI people can get a free breast exam with BreastScreen Victoria

This Thursday and Saturday, BreastScreen Victoria is running free mammogram sessions focusing on LGBTIQI, women, and transgender and gender diverse people over 40 as part of their Rainbow Rose screening sessions.

More than 75 percent of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50, and regular breast examinations are the best way to detect breast cancer early. People aged 50 to 74 should get tested every two years.

Rainbow Rose sessions typically take ten minutes to complete. The appointment is free, does not require a referral or Medicare card, and is performed by a woman.

A 2017 BreastScreen Victoria study found that transgender and gender diverse people may feel uncomfortable accessing screening services due to fears of being misgendered or experiencing transphobia, not knowing their right to screening, and fearing the test will cause gender dysphoria or anxiety.

“We recognize that sexually and gender diverse people are under-screened for breast cancer and face unique barriers to participating in screening,” said BreastScreen Victoria CEO Vicki Primore.

BreastScreen Victoria is the first screening program in Australia to be recognized by Rainbow Tick, a national accreditation program developed by Rainbow Health Victoria for safe and inclusive practice and services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.

“Barriers to breast screening are different for people who are sexually and gender diverse,” said BreastScreen Victoria diversity and inclusion project manager Ashley Stearns. Star observer.“Transphobia, fear of being misgendered and embarrassment are real issues and a cause of serious concern.”

“People share concerns about having to come out publicly in the process, or dealing with staff’s lack of knowledge, or even bringing their same-sex partner with you to an appointment as a support person and having someone assume you’re there with a friend rather than your partners.”

These screenings, held at BreastScreen Victoria’s Rose Clinic, create a space where everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, is invited to undergo a breast screening, as long as they meet certain criteria.

“A mammogram is essentially an X-ray of breast tissue. That’s it – you’re in and out in ten minutes,” Sternes told us. “If you have implants or have a disability, we usually book a 20-minute appointment in case we need extra time to take additional pictures to make sure we’ve got all the breast tissue, or if you have mobility issues.

Pre-booking is essential, with two sessions taking place on Thursday 14 November from 6pm to 8pm and Saturday 16 November from 11am to 2pm at BreastScreen Victoria’s Rose Clinic, Level 3, David Jones Women’s Store, 310 Bourke Street.

Click here for more information or to schedule a free appointment with Rainbow Rose.