Cancer Screening Recommendations for Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Diverse People

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Below is a summary of the cancer screening guidelines for trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people of average risk. If you feel you are at an increased risk for breast/chest, cervical, or colon cancer, speak with your healthcare provider.

Trans* - an umbrella term used to describe people whose assigned sex at birth does not match the gender they know themselves to be. 

Cancer Screening Recommendations

Breast/Chest Cancer Screening

Routine breast/chest cancer screening is every 2 years for most people. 

 

Trans women, non-binary, and gender diverse people age 50-69:

  • who have taken gender-affirming hormones for 5 or more years.

Recommendation: Routine screening mammograms at a BreastCheck site (no doctor's referral required) or a diagnostic imaging site (doctor's referral required). 

 

  • who have taken gender-affirming hormones for 5 or more years and have breast implants.

Recommendation: Routine screening mammograms at a diagnostic imaging site (doctor's referral required). 

 

  • who have not taken gender-affirming hormones or have taken gender-affirming hormones for less than 5 years.

Recommendation: Routine screening mammograms are not recommended. 

 

Trans men, non-binary, and gender diverse people age 50-69:

  • who still have breast tissue (have not had top surgery).

Recommendation: Routine screening mammograms at a BreastCheck site (no referral needed) or a diagnostic imaging site (doctor's referral required). 

 

  • who no longer have breast tissue (have had top surgery).

Recommendation: Individualized assessment is required at a diagnostic imaging centre (doctor's referral required).

 

Trans women, men, non-binary, and gender diverse people age 70-74:

  • There is no evidence to recommend for or against screening in this population. Guidelines similar to those used for trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people age 50-69 would likely apply. 

 

BreastCheck Access

  • Those eligible for screening at a BreastCheck site can call BreastCheck at 1-855-95-CHECK (1-855-952-4325) to make a screening mammogram appointment. 

Cervical Cancer Screening

Recommendations for people who have a cervix or neo-cervix age 21-69, and have ever had sexual contact. Sexual contact refers to:

  • oral, genital, or anal skin-to-skin contact, or

  • sex with shared sex toys.

Routine cervical cancer screening is every 3 years for most people. 

 

Trans women, non-binary, and gender diverse people:

  • who have had bottom surgery (vaginoplasty) with the creation of a neo-cervix.

Recommendation: Routine cervical cancer screening is recommended. 

 

  • who have had bottom surgery (vaginoplasty) without the creation of a neo-cervix.

Recommendation: Cervical cancer screening is not recommended.

 

  • who have not had bottom surgery (vaginoplasty).

Recommendation: Routine cervical cancer screening is not recommend.

 

Trans men, non-binary, and gender diverse people:

  • who have not had their cervix removed.

Recommendation: routine cervical cancer screening with a Pap test. 

 

  • who have had their cervix removed and have a history of high-grade dysplasia or cervical cancer.

Recommendation: Routine cervical cancer screening with a vault test.

 

  • who have had their cervix removed and do not have a history of high-grade dysplasia or cervical cancer.

Recommendation: Cervical cancer screening is not recommended.

 

CervixCheck Access

  • Those eligible to participate in cervical cancer screening should make an appointment with their primary care provider or visit the CervixCheck website to find a cervical cancer screening clinic. 

Colon Cancer Screening

Most people age 50-74 at average risk of colon or rectal cancer, regardless of their gender identity, should do a colon cancer screening test every 2 years.

 

ColonCheck Access

Those eligible to participate in colorectal cancer screening can request a kit at ColonCheck (cancercare.mb.ca).

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