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Review Article| Volume 129, P40-44, November 2019

Gynecologic cancer screening in the transgender male population and its current challenges

      Highlights

      • The healthcare disparities for the transgender have become more apparent.
      • Barriers to healthcare are lack of access, education and the sensibilities of particular physicians.
      • Gender affirmation therapies have an unknown impact on cancer risk and screening.
      • We present gynecologic and breast cancer screening guidelines for the female-to-male population.

      Abstract

      As the transgender community gains visibility and recognition, healthcare disparities have become more apparent. Reports estimate that 1–1.5 million people belong to this community in the United States. Despite efforts to become more inclusive, access to healthcare is challenging in a system built on a binary model that exacerbates gender dysphoria and on healthcare insurance schemes that do not cover gender affirmation therapy. Another large challenge is the paucity of scientific and medical knowledge when it comes to caring for the transgender community. More research to build knowledge is necessary to provide evidence-based quality care. In an attempt to bring guidance for gynecologic and breast cancer screening for the transgender male population, we conducted a review of the literature published in PubMed. Here, we present a review of the challenges, as well as guidelines for breast, uterus, and cervix screening for the transgender male population.

      Keywords

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