Are Trans-Women At Risk for Breast Cancer?

Transgender women’s breast cancer risk remains unknown. However, a 2019 Dutch research supplied some useful facts.

What Is The Breast Cancer Risk In Transgender Women?

Between 1972 and 2016, the VU University Medical Centre Amsterdam gender clinic treated transgender people on hormone treatment for breast cancer. The Centre was selected because it treats over 95 percent of Dutch transsexual people.

Hormone-treated transgender women had a higher breast cancer risk than cisgender males. The research found that short-term gender-affirming hormone treatment increased risk.

The research also found that transgender women acquired breast cancer earlier than cisgender women. Transgender women’s median breast cancer diagnostic age was 52. Cisgender Dutch women are diagnosed with breast cancer at 61.

This research reveals that hormone treatment raises breast cancer risk for transgender women. Transgender women should be screened and educated about breast cancer since their risk is still high.

RELATED: Most Transgender Children Stick With Gender Identity 5 Years Later

What Are The Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations For Transgender Women?

Transgender women need breast cancer screening, according to the Dutch research. Your circumstances determine transgender women’s screening recommendations. General advice:

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1. If you’ve been on feminizing hormones for at least five years, follow the breast cancer screening guidelines for cisgender women in your age group.
2. Follow the breast cancer screening guidelines for cisgender women in your age group and be screened at least every two years if you’re 50 or older. No matter how long you’ve taken hormones.
3. Follow the screening guidelines for high-risk cisgender women in your age group if you have a family history of breast cancer or BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. No matter how long you’ve taken hormones.

If you don’t know when to start testing, your hormone doctor or clinic may be able to help. They can address your fears and family history of breast cancer. They may assist with scheduling and screening.

They may also suggest breast cancer screening providers and places.

What Are The Symptoms Of Breast Cancer?

Early breast cancer detection improves treatment. Screening and identifying breast cancer signs are crucial.

Cancer may not cause all these symptoms. If you discover any, visit a doctor immediately. Know these signs:

• a breast bulge that feels distinct from the rest
• breast pain
• breast swell
• inverted nipple
• flaking or peeling breast skin nipple discharge
• red nipple discharge, sudden breast size change 
• armpit pain

FAQs About Breast Cancer In Transgender People

What’s The Breast Cancer Risk For Transgender Men?

Masculinizing hormones reduce breast cancer risk. Transgender guys have a lower breast cancer risk than women.

Transgender guys should follow breast cancer screening guidelines for cisgender women in their age group until they have a mastectomy. Mastectomy-receiving transgender guys do not require breast cancer screenings.

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Should You Stop Taking Feminizing Hormones If You Have Other Risk Factors For Breast Cancer?

Discuss breast cancer risk with your doctor. Feminizing hormones are seldom stopped and boost breast cancer risk, although it’s still lower than a cisgender woman’s.

Transgender women’s increased risk of breast cancer, even with additional risk factors, is not generally enough to advocate discontinuing hormones.

You must decide whether you want to increase your breast cancer risk. Talking to a transgender-friendly doctor might help you assess your risk.

Are There Other Types Of Feminizing Hormones That Don’t Increase The Risk Of Breast Cancer?

All feminizing hormones that confirm gender entail the same danger. Breast tissue grows with feminizing hormones, which increases breast cancer risk. Note the tiny risk increase.

Can Transgender Women Who Haven’t Changed Their Legal Gender Get A Breast Cancer Screening?

Healthcare nondiscrimination is your right. Regardless of your legal status, national, state, and insurance laws safeguard your entitlement to breast cancer screenings.

The National Center for Transgender Equality lists your healthcare rights and provides information.

Discuss your risks and screening timetable with your hormone prescriber.