Most trans masc people without top surgery have a 13% lifetime risk of chest cancer. Though top surgery lowers your chances of developing chest cancer, it does not completely remove the risk.
On this page, you can find more information about how cancer affects trans masculine people, as well as links to organisations and support groups.
Regular self-checking is recommended to everyone; men, women, trans, cis, pre and post surgery. The next section will explain why this is still necessary even if you have had top surgery.
Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
It is reccomended to chest your chest every month for eaarly detection of any symptoms, which allows for early intervention and effective treatment.
Keep an eye out for:
Ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal and vulval cancers can often be hard to detect due to their seemingly 'common' symptoms, which can often be written off as something else by doctors. Remember to advocate for yourself -- you know your body best, you know when something is not right.
Go to your doctor if you are concerned about any of the following:
In the UK, eligibility for automatic cancer screening depends on the gender on your medical record, not your anatomy. If you are registered male at your doctors you won’t be invited for smear tests or chest screenings, you’ll have to request them.
In the UK, smear tests are available to people with cervixes aged 25 - 64
In the UK, chest screenings are available to people with breasts aged 50 - 70
Cancer Research have made a guide on screenings for trans peoplein the UK, you can find it here
In this video by @drcharlesgarramone, he explains that top surgery is a breast contouring surgery, rather than an oncological (cancer-related) procedure. As such, breast tissue is often purposefully left behind in order to create 'natural' pectoral shaping. This breast tissue is still at risk of developing cancer.
When patients have a high risk of developing chest cancer, they may consider a risk-reducing double mastectomy, which involves removing as much breast tissue as possible. All the same, it is impossible to garantee 100% of breast tissue is removed, so regular self-checking is recommended.
Businesses don't usually have cancer awareness pages on their websites! The reason I care a lot about spreading this information is that in 2024 I tested positive for a BRCA gene mutation.
I have a long family history of chest and ovarian cancer. After my mum tested positive for a BRCA gene mutation, I decided to get a tested.
I had been planning to get top surgery for years, but my positive result for the mutation changed everything. I wanted to reduce my risk as much as possible, and so pursued an oncological risk-reducing double mastectomy.
If you have tested positive for a BRCA gene mutation and are looking for trans mascs who might understand what you are going through, check out:
r/transmascbrca on Reddit
Facing Our Risk - an organisation supporting those with hereditary cancer. It has a lot of good resources for trans/LGBT people and now has a breakout room in the LGBTQ support group specifically for trans people
Cancer Resources & Support
Outpatients is an organisation that looks to support members of the LGBT community that are affected by cancer
Coppafeel is a breast cancer awareness charity that offers resources for trans people
Macmillan Cancer Support also has resources for transgender people, and offers 24/7 support online.
Facing Our Risk supports those with hereditary cancer
The Cancer Network connects
LGBTQIA+ patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to
evidence-based information, peer support, and training designed to make
cancer care more affirming and equitable for everyone
Byrd Cancer Foundation has a list of LGBTQ+ cancer support groups across the USA
Most of my customers are in the UK or US, but this issue affects people all over the world.
Please use the contact form to let me know about any other organisations that I can link to here
