GSRD individuals encounter unique risks regarding breast cancer, yet we’re commonly overlooked from the conversations. Compared to cis men, trans women have a drastically higher risk of developing breast cancer, and trans men are also significantly susceptible.   Both the quantity and inclusivity of study data are lacking. However, screening queer people is just as crucial as screening cis people.

Making breast screening a priority might be intimidating. Perhaps your breasts don’t reflect who you are. Perhaps you worry that you might encounter homophobia or biphobia at the screening location. You might be concerned that having a mammogram will be unpleasant or painful. Or perhaps you simply don’t want to consider cancer. However, it’s crucial to get screened for breast cancer if you’re a woman over the age of 50. This allows for early detection, before any symptoms appear.

Canadian Cancer Society Breast Cancer Screening Questionnaire

Trans Woman

No one likes to think about breast cancer, but for many trans women and persons who identify within the transfeminine (MtF) spectrum, getting screened may trigger specific concerns. You may have even heard contradicting or changing information about your probability of developing breast cancer, the regularity of screenings, and if taking hormones or getting breast implants has any affect on your risk or screening.

• Breast cancer risk increases after taking gender-affirming hormones (like estrogen) for more than five years. You should receive a mammogram (or other screening test) every two years if you’ve been taking hormones for more than five years and are between the ages of 50 and 69.
• You don’t need to increase your routine screening frequency if you’re a trans woman who has never used gender-affirming hormones or if you’ve used hormones for less than five years.

(This is due to the fact that estrogen and similar hormones steadily elevate the risk of breast cancer with increasing breast exposure.)

Trans Man

Cancer in the chest, while none of us like to think about it, many trans men and individuals on the trans masculine (FtM) spectrum have unique concerns about getting screened for cancer. It’s crucial to get examined for chest cancer if you’re a trans male between the ages of 50 and 69.

• Yes, even if you’ve undergone top surgery, as some chest tissue typically still exists
• Yes, even if you have or currently are taking testosterone.

FAQ about breast and chest cancer screening from the GSRD community