You may think that only women are born with breast cancer. But that's not the truth. Anyone who has breast tissue is at some risk of developing breast cancer. So if you are transgender , that is, a trans woman or a trans man, it is very important for your health to be aware of this.
What factors determine the risk of breast cancer?
The risk of developing breast cancer varies from person to person. There are several factors that affect it. Consider whether someone in your family, especially your mother or sister, has had breast cancer, your medical history, whether you have certain genes that increase your risk of cancer (such as `BRCA`), and whether you are receiving `Gender-Affirming Treatment`.
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor and decide what tests you need, when to start them, and how often to have them.
The other thing is, if you notice a lump, change, or something unusual in your breasts , never ignore it . See a doctor right away and get it checked out. The "screening" we're talking about in this article is about finding out if there's cancer before symptoms appear. It's not about checking for a lump that already exists.
Breast cancer screening for trans women
When assessing your risk of breast cancer as a transgender woman, doctors consider things like whether you're taking hormone therapy, your age, and how long you've been taking hormones. This information table can give you a good idea.
| Your situation | Medical recommendation and what to know |
|---|---|
| If you are taking estrogen hormone therapy | When you start taking hormones, breast tissue grows. This increases your risk of cancer. If you are over 50 and have been taking hormones for at least 5-10 years , it is recommended that you have a mammogram every 2 years. |
| If you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes | These genes significantly increase your risk of breast cancer, so you may need to get screened earlier and more often than usual. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this and come up with a plan that's specific to you. |
| If you are not taking hormone therapy | Even if you don't take hormones, there is some risk. So if you feel any lumps or changes in your breasts, see a doctor immediately. Also tell your doctor about your family history of cancer. |
| If you have had breast augmentation surgery | Some transgender women have breast augmentation procedures such as implants or fat transfer. There is no evidence that these procedures cause breast cancer. However, there have been reports of a rare type of cancer called Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) caused by implants. This is very rare, but it is important to be aware of it. |
Something special about hormone therapy
Some people buy and use hormones without medical supervision, such as over the internet. This is very dangerous. Because not only cancer, but also other health conditions may not be suitable for you to take hormone therapy. Therefore, if you are using hormones or are considering doing so, that decision should definitely be made under the supervision of a doctor.
Breast cancer screening for trans men
The risk for transgender men depends on whether they have had 'top surgery', whether they take testosterone hormones, and whether they have genes that increase their risk of cancer.
| Your situation | Medical recommendation and what to know |
|---|---|
| If 'Top Surgery' has not been performed | If you haven't had your breasts removed, your risk of cancer is the same as it was before you transitioned. Therefore, after age 40 , it's a good idea to have a mammogram every year or two. |
| If you have had 'Top Surgery' | This surgery removes a large amount of breast tissue, so the risk of cancer is greatly reduced. But it does not eliminate it completely. This is because the goal of this surgery is to flatten the chest area, not to remove all the tissue cells like a mastectomy. Therefore, cancer can develop in the remaining tissue. Because of this, you may not be able to have a mammogram. Instead, it is very important to do breast self-exams and have a doctor check you . |
| If you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes | Even if you have had top surgery, the risk is still high because of these genes. You may need to have your chest examined by a cancer specialist annually. |
| If you are taking testosterone hormones | Testosterone suppresses estrogen. If you continue taking this treatment, your risk of breast cancer may be slightly reduced. But the risk is still there. Therefore, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions. |
How do you find a reputable medical service that suits you?
Even though we talk about recommendations like this, it's sometimes not easy to find a doctor who truly respects and understands your identity. We understand that.
You can contact clinics in your area and ask about their experience in providing healthcare to trans people.
"If you're having trouble finding a transgender health clinic near you, call and ask before you see a doctor. Ask, 'What experience do you have in providing preventive health advice to transgender people?' Their answer to that question will tell you if they understand your needs or if it's a strange question to them."
Remember, the medical team is committed to treating your health concerns, whether they are related to breast cancer or anything else, with respect and understanding.
Take-Home Message
- Anyone with breast tissue can develop breast cancer. It doesn't depend on your gender .
- If you are a transgender woman and are taking estrogen hormones, get mammograms at the scheduled times as advised by your doctor.
- If you have not had top surgery as a transgender man, follow the general breast cancer screening guidelines that apply to women by birth.
- Although the risk is greatly reduced with 'top surgery', it does not completely eliminate it. Therefore, regular self-examination and medical check-ups are very important.
- Be aware of your family cancer history and genetic risks, such as BRCA. These will directly affect your screening plan.
- The most important thing is to talk openly about all of these issues with your doctor and develop a testing plan that suits you.
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