Health Sciences North (HSN) has launched a new animated video series aimed at making transgender and non-binary individuals feel more welcome and included for cancer screening.
The new initiative features four YouTube animations that explain the importance of screening for cervical cancer, for colorectal cancer, for breast cancer and for lung cancer.
The series is called “It’s Time: Conversations about Inclusive Cancer Screening.” The series focuses on how to start discussions with transgender, non-binary patients and families looking to learn about accessing cancer screening in a safe and inclusive environment, said the HSN news release.
Each video opens with an introduction from Dr. Jason Sutherland, the regional primary care lead for the North East Regional Cancer Program.
"As a physician I have an interest in the health of all Northerners," said Sutherland.
"I am committed to reducing the impacts and number of cancer-related deaths through our cancer screening programs."
The videos explain the importance of initial screening and follow-up tests. Sutherland said some people are sometimes left with the feeling that people in the medical community do not fully understand their situations.
“Historically, transgender people have been medically underserved and consideration for their needs has been overlooked. They face unique barriers when trying to access cancer screening services, such as seeing health care providers who may not have a full understanding of their needs or an absence of cancer screening guidelines specifically for transgender and non-binary people,” said Sutherland.
“These barriers can contribute to transgender people being less up-to-date with cancer screening. This video series is intended to bridge the knowledge gap for screening-eligible people, and provides new and specific recommendations in particular for transgender and non-binary people.”
One of the people involved in the development of the video series was Darlyn Hansen, who identifies as transfeminine person, and is a member of HSN’s Patient and Family Advisory Council.
“My wife and I face numerous barriers and blockages in receiving the services we need. We live in a different world and time, and the healthcare system needs to catch up,” said Hansen.
“There is a lack of awareness about recommendations for cancer screening that need to be addressed because early detection is so important. This video series is a great reminder that everyone has a risk of getting cancer and that people should advocate for themselves and get screened as soon as they become eligible," said Hansen.
The North East Regional Cancer Program screening team works with health care providers and screening sites across the entire northeast region, said HSN. This series has been shared with various primary care providers and health care organizations, and is available on the HSN website. To learn more, visit www.hsnsudbury.ca/CancerScreening.
