The researchers conducted two parallel qualitative studies. In the previous study, they interviewed 16 transgender patients about their experiences with breast/chest cancer risk assessment and top surgery. In the current study, they interviewed 20 healthcare professionals – primary care physicians, genetic counselors, oncologists and plastic surgeons – about current practices and barriers to breast/chest cancer risk assessments for these patients.
According to the researchers, this study showed that the problem is that healthcare institutions are not built to serve this population. “Many healthcare professionals caring for transgender patients want to help, but there is currently no standardized conversation about breast/chest cancer risk (e.g. what screening looks like after surgery or whether they should consider having more tissue removed based on a genetic or familial risk for cancer),” adds Zayhowski.
To help patients deal with specific barriers to breast/chest cancer risk assessment in transgender care that have been identified, the team of researchers is in the process of developing CHESTcare – Cancer & Hereditary Risk Education & Support for Transgender and nonbinary individuals – an online toolkit that integrates cancer and hereditary risk education with support for informed decision-making about breast/chest cancer screening in the context of gender-affirming care. The toolkit includes resources for both patients and providers.
Source: Boston University School of Medicine