Testicular cancer awareness

Trans* women may be reluctant to check their testicles as it may be uncomfortable to consider having male genitalia.

However, it is still important to regularly check the genitalia for any abnormal changes. It is important to find abnormal changes as early as possible so that masses don’t develop into more developed cancers. Most testicular cancer cases are found in those in the 20-45 year age group. Obviously, it is better to do this to yourself rather than having a partner do it as it will allow you to better familiarise yourself with your genitals making it easier to find changes. Things to look out for are:

• swelling of the scrotum, possibly also pain
• lumps on the testicle or feeling of heaviness or discomfort.

If you notice any of these changes you should see your GP. They will be able to provide reassurance or, if needed, direct you to a relevant specialist.

Breast cancer awareness

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and the risk increases with increased oestrogen and progestin as with trans* women on hormones. Genetic men also get breast cancer, but aren’t exposed the risk factors of these hormones so are less likely than trans* women to be affected by breast cancer. When checking your breasts, it is important to look for changes. Some of these are:

• changes in texture and appearance
• changes in shape and size
• presence of lumps
• redness or rashes
• inversion of the nipple
• swelling in the armpits
• discharge from the nipple
• constant pain in the breasts

If you have noticed any changes, speak to your GP, endocrinologist or gender specialist who will be able to point you in the right direction.

You should get annual chest/breast exams and regular mammographs especially if you have taken oestrogen/progestin, are older than 50, have other breast cancer risk factors (such as taking hormones for more than 5 years, family history of breast cancer, high body mass index).

Cervical cancer awareness

Trans* women, who have not had a vaginoplasty and therefore do not have a cervix, need not get a pap test. However, if you have had a vaginoplasty in which the head of the penis is used to form a cervix, there is a risk of cervical cancer and therefore you should get checked as regularly as genetic women (starting at 20 or 21 and every 3-5 years). Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is the cause of 99% of cervical cancers and infects 75% of genetic women and so is a common infection of women. HPV, as well as being an STI is also transmitted by skin-to-skin contact as well as with sharing toys. If caught early, cervical cancers won’t be given time to develop into full blown cancers and it will also prevent them from mestastising (spreading to other organs).

It is advised that in the 24 hours before the examination you don’t have sex. The test itself is not painful and shouldn’t be uncomfortable (if it is, you are welcome to ask the nurse or doctor to stop at any point).

In the test, you will be asked to remove your underwear and to position yourself on a couch. The health professional will then insert a speculum and then, using a small spatula or brush, take a sample from inside.