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Di Lisa FS, Villa A, Filomeno L, Arcuri T, Chiofalo B, Sanguineti G, Pizzuti L, Krasniqi E, Barba M, Sergi D, Lombardo F, Romanelli F, Botti C, Zoccali G, Ciliberto G, Vici P. Breast and cervical cancer in transgender men: literature review and a case report. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241259466. [PMID: 39131728 PMCID: PMC11316962 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241259466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Transgender individuals exhibit a higher prevalence of cancer-related risk factors, such as substance abuse and sexually transmitted infections. These factors, coupled with suboptimal adherence to cancer screening recommendations, may lead to a higher incidence of cancers, such as breast and cervical cancer, and contribute to delayed diagnoses in transgender patients. Herein, we report a unique case of a transgender man with a history of alcohol and drug abuse, undergoing gender-affirming exogenous testosterone therapy, who developed synchronous locally advanced breast cancer and human papilloma virus (HPV)-related cervical cancer. He underwent concurrent chemoradiation for cervical cancer and surgery followed by endocrine therapy for breast cancer. The treatments were suboptimals due to patient's comorbidities, among them liver cirrhosis leading to an early death. Additionally, we have conducted a review of existing literature, including case reports, clinical studies, and review articles investigating the role of potential risk factors specifically related to breast and cervical tumors in transgender men. Gender-affirming testosterone therapy is common among transgender men to induce gender affirmation, but its link to breast cancer risk remains ambiguous, with studies being limited and sometimes contradictory. Conversely, HPV is a well-established cause of up to 99% of cervical cancers. Despite persistent risk for cervical cancer in transgender men who retain their cervix, several studies indicate notable disparities in screening adherence, due to personal and structural barriers. Moreover, alcohol and drug use disorders, commonly encountered in transgender population, may negatively influence the adherence to screening programs. Current cancer screening guidelines for this population are somewhat unclear, and specific programs based on more robust data are urgently required along with further tailored studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Villa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Filomeno
- Phase IV Clinical Studies Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Teresa Arcuri
- Phase IV Clinical Studies Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology A, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benito Chiofalo
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sanguineti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Pizzuti
- Division of Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Eriseld Krasniqi
- Phase IV Clinical Studies Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena Barba
- Division of Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Sergi
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Romanelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Botti
- Division of Breast Surgery, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zoccali
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Vici
- Phase IV Clinical Studies Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Cuq J, Lapoirie M, Plotton I, Fraison E, Neuville P, Oriol S. [Transmasculine people: Gender affirming hormonal therapy, sexual and reproductive health prevention and care, a medical review and follow-up suggestions]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2024:S2468-7189(24)00263-0. [PMID: 39097191 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2024.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Transmasculine individuals have a poor access to health care, mostly regarding the sexual and reproductive health. Despite a lack of official guidelines, they need a gynecological follow-up, the aim of this review was to describe it. The present study involved an exhaustive search of MEDLINE, 68 articles were included to analyze the impact of hormonal therapy, prevention, and care regarding sexual and reproductive health of transmasculine individuals. Despite a lack of solid data, the global literature agrees that transmasculine individuals require sexual and reproductive health care. Care must be adapted to each pathway and may be impacted by gender-affirming care. The cancer risk does not seem to be increased in this population, particularly in relation to hormonal therapy. Prevention programs do not differ from those offered to cis women in the absence of gender-affirming surgeries. Transmasculine individuals require follow-up and care adapted to their needs and their pathways. Healthcare professionals must be trained to provide such care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Cuq
- Hospices civils de Lyon, université Claude-Bernard, Lyon, France.
| | - Marion Lapoirie
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Lyon Est, Lyon, France
| | - Ingrid Plotton
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Lyon Est, Lyon, France
| | - Eloise Fraison
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Lyon Est, Lyon, France
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Ziegler E, Slotnes-O'Brien T, Peters MDJ. Cancer Screening and Prevention in the Transgender and Gender Diverse Population: Considerations and Strategies for Advanced Practice Nurses. Semin Oncol Nurs 2024; 40:151630. [PMID: 38622043 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2024.151630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This discussion paper presents recent evidence regarding cancer screening and prevention among the transgender and gender diverse (TGD) community and highlights where and how advanced practice nurses (APNs), particularly those in primary care, can better contribute to closing the gap between healthcare disparities between TGD and cisgendered populations. METHODS Relevant publications on the topic and professional guidelines and evidence have formed the basis for this discussion paper. RESULTS TGD individuals are a vulnerable population with unique needs. They remain at risk of cancer and might be at greater risk of developing some cancers compared to cisgendered people but are underscreened. Barriers to gender-affirming care need to be addressed to improve access to prevention and screening services and improve the cancer care experiences and outcomes of TGD people. CONCLUSION APNs can work in collaboration with TGD individuals and the healthcare system to improve access to culturally safe cancer screening and more effective prevention of cancer and poor cancer outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE APNs have the potential to improve access to cancer screening for TGD people by increasing their understanding of the needs of the population, providing culturally safe care, and advocating for more preventative care and cancer screening. With greater knowledge and understanding of the needs and preferences of TGD people both broadly and in relation to cancer screening and prevention, targeted interventions and care approaches can be implemented. APNs should also aim to conduct evaluations and research into cancer prevention and screening to build the currently limited evidence base and nursing knowledge in this important field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Ziegler
- Associate Professor, Daphen Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Toni Slotnes-O'Brien
- Senior Lecture, UniSA Clinical & Health Science, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Micah D J Peters
- Associate Professor, UniSA Clinical & Health Science, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Cathcart-Rake EJ, Ruddy KJ, Tevaarwerk AJ, Jatoi A. Breast cancer and gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. Maturitas 2024; 181:107913. [PMID: 38262089 PMCID: PMC10872221 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.107913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals are at risk for breast cancer, but are less likely to undergo screening mammograms and appear to suffer poorer cancer-related outcomes than cisgender women. Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) may be lifesaving for TGD individuals from the perspective of affirming their core identities; however, the effects of GAHT on cancer development, progression, and outcomes are poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn J Ruddy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Amye J Tevaarwerk
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Aminah Jatoi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
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