Print
Transgender peoples' perspectives of being diagnosed with gender-associated cancer
https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/transgender-peoples-perspectives-of-gender-associated-cancer
Full article: https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.32784
An ABC News article provides viewpoints and data that conveys the added stress experienced by transgender and gender-nonconforming people when they are diagnosed with gender-associated cancer (e.g., ovarian or prostate cancer) that does not match their gender identity. (posted 9/13/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Expert Guidelines
The University of California Center for Excellence in Transgender Health published the second edition of Guidelines for the Primary and Gender-Affirming Care of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary People, which include the following recommendations for cancer screening and treatment:
- For transgender women, breast cancer screening beginning 5-10 years after the use of feminizing hormones.
- For transgender men who have not had mastectomy or who had breast reduction rather than mastectomy, routine breast cancer screening based on personal and/or family history.
- Genetic counseling and/or testing if there is a known mutation in a BRCA or other gene that increases cancer risk or if the patient has a personal or family history of cancer that meets national guidelines for genetic counseling and testing.
- Screening for other cancers (e.g., cervical, endometrial, prostate, etc.) should be based on an individual’s personal and/or family history of cancer.
Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider
- What’s the process for getting cancer screening?
- Which local clinics for cancer screening or treatment are more welcoming and understanding of transgender individuals?
- What healthcare professionals will be involved in my cancer care?
- Will cancer treatment adversely interact with the gender-affirming therapy that I’m currently using?
- Will cancer treatment affect any future gender-affirming care in my future?
- What is my risk of cancer?
Open Clinical Trials
The following studies are enrolling people from the LGBTQ+ community.
- PRIDE Study: The PRIDE Study is the first long-term national health study of LGBTQ+ people. The goal is to improve the long-term health and wellness of LGBTQ+ people.
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Exploring Gender Diverse Experiences of Hereditary Cancer Risk: A Johns Hopkins genetic counseling student is conducting an interview study exploring gender-diverse folks’ experiences of hereditary cancer care, with the aim of better educating providers about LGBTQ+ needs and concerns. Interviews are held on the Zoom platform with individuals who qualify. If you are interested in participating, contact Sarah Roth at [email protected].
Visit our Featured Research Page and Research Search and Enroll Tool to find additional studies enrolling people with, or at high risk for cancer. Note: Most of these trials are geared towards cisgender people.
About FORCE
FORCE is a national nonprofit organization, established in 1999. Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by adult hereditary cancers.