BREAST CANCER DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE –REGARDLESS OF GENDER

Unfortunately, breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the Unites States. Therefore, screening for breast cancer remains vitally important. Breast cancer screening means testing for cancer even when a person doesn’t have any worrisome symptoms. Remember, screening doesn’t prevent cancer; rather, it may help detect cancer at an early stage, making it easier to treat.

Transgender, and gender-expansive folks should actively talk with their health provider about a plan for breast cancer screen. “Breast cancer does not discriminate; regardless of gender.” Regarding cancer risk and screening for transgender and gender-expansive folks, there remains a large opportunity for further research. However, there a few principles to help guide us: 1) If one has a particular body part or organ and otherwise meets criteria for screening, screening should proceed regardless of hormone use. (Eur J Endocrinol Eur Fed Endocr Soc. 2013 Oct;169(4):471-8) 2) Transgender men and gender-expansive folks who have not had mastectomy, or who have only undergone breast reduction, should screen according to current guidelines for non-transgender women.(WPATH 2022) 3) Gender-expansive folks who have had mastectomy should review their individual risk with their healthcare provider; there are no good data on pros/cons of mammography after mastectomy. However, if risk is high, one may consider other screening techniques, like ultrasound or MRI. 4) Transgender women could consider screening mammography every 2 years, once the age of 50 and have completed 5-10 years of gender-affirming feminizing hormone. Once again, there are few data on breast cancer risk for trans-women, but it appears to be lower than for non-transgender women. (https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women), (BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 125(12), 1505–1512) As always, please share any questions you have with your healthcare provider to establish the best cancer screen plan for you.