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:

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.
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.
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: