Conclusions
Lesbians are at risk of contracting HPV. However, this group participates in Pap screening exams at lower rates than those observed in the general population of women. In this survey, lesbians who did not screen for cervical cancer on the recommended schedule were less likely to disclose sexual orientation to a HCP and less likely to be knowledgeable of the benefits of Pap testing than those who do screen at recommended rates. Additionally, lesbians who were not routine screeners perceived more barriers and fewer benefits to screening than routine screeners, even after adjusting for age, education, and insurance status. Lack of a HCP recommendation was also a predictor of poor screening behavior. Public health interventions focused on increasing cervical cancer screening in lesbians should therefore be designed to educate this population about the risks of cervical cancer and the benefits of screening, suggest strategies to overcome barriers, and improve relationships between lesbians and their HCPs.