Transgender men and women should undergo breast screening every three years after the age of 50 if they are registered with their GP as female. Transgender men and transgender women who are registered with their GP as male are not routinely called for screening but can request an appointment if they have any concerns.
Everyone aged 50 to 70 who is registered as non-binary with their GP is called for screening so no one misses out on this vital health check.
However, many in both communities fail to keep their appointments, with a national survey, published in 2018, showing 27 per cent of the 108,000 respondents were worried, anxious or embarrassed about attending appointments or accessing health care.
Lesley Peacock, Programme Manager for Humberside Breast Screening Service, said her team understood that attending appointments can be a major source of anxiety for non-binary and transgender people.
She said: “We understand how difficult this can be for you but our staff are here to help and support you. If you are worried or concerned, you can contact the service first or speak to our staff on the day so we can allay any fears or take any steps to put you at ease.
“Breast screening saves lives as early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
“Transgender and non-binary individuals are no exception – your health matters. Keep your appointment because we’re here for you too.”
All women of all gender identities, regardless of re-assignment status, receive appointments for breast screening around their 50th birthday and will be called every three years until they are 71.
Transgender women (assigned male at birth) and transgender men (assigned female at birth) who are registered with a GP as female are invited for breast screening. Transgender women (assigned male at birth) and transgender men (assigned female at birth) who are registered with their GP as male are not routinely invited for breast screening but can request screening.
For non-binary people, anyone assigned female at birth who has not had their breast tissue removed (top surgery) and those assigned male at birth who have been receiving female hormone therapy for at least two years should attend breast screening appointments.
However, people assigned female at birth who have had their breast tissue removed or those assigned male at birth who have not had female hormone therapy do not require a mammogram because their risk is low and equivalent to that of a cisgender male.
Anyone who is concerned about attending breast screening appointments, regardless of their gender, or is unsure whether or not they should be attending screening appointments can email [email protected] or call 01482 622300.