Our Health Priorities

BREAST CANCER SCREENING

In clinical terms, people of all genders can get breast cancer and everyone has breast tissue. For everyone with significant breast tissue between the ages of 50 and 70 can access breast screening. This includes most:

Failure to attend for cancer screening means that cancers may not be detected in the early stages. This may lead to a later diagnosis of cancer and risks worse experience and outcomes. Whilst there is no clear evidence to suggest that non-binary and trans people are at a heightened risk of cancer than cisgender people,  there are certain factors that might affect the risk of particular cancers. This may have an influence of the type of recommended screening taking account of the sex assigned at birth, hormones and any surgery that may have been performed.

• cisgender women who have not had surgery (bilateral mastectomy) to remove breast tissue.
• trans women and non-binary people who have not had surgery (bilateral mastectomy)for the removal of breast tissue
• trans women and non-binary people who were assigned male at birth and who have taken feminising hormones
• some people who are intersex.

Only people who are registered female at their GP surgery are automatically invited for cervical screening. If they wish to take part in screening, males may discuss their concerns with the GP practice.

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING

The cervix is located inside the body at the top of the vagina where it joins with the bottom of the womb. Cervical screening is offered routinely to anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 to 64 years. Providing they have not had an operation to remove their womb this can include the following people:

• cisgender women 
• trans men 
• non-binary people who were assigned female at birth 
• some people who are intersex.

Cervical screening for trans men and non-binary people

Only people who are registered female at their GP surgery are automatically invited for cervical screening. If they wish to take part in screening, males may discuss their concerns with the GP practice. If they have a cervix and are registered as male, and aged between 25 and 64, they can:

• ask their GP surgery to send invitations directly and add reminders to the medical record
• make a diary note to request an appointment every 3-5 years

Cervical screening for lesbian and bi women

Women who only have sex with women do need to attend for screening tests, in spite of misconceptions on the matter. The HPV virus can be transmitted during sexual activity. Lesbian and Bi women who have a cervix and who are between the ages of 25 and 64 years should attend for screening tests.

More information for trans and non-binary people

GPs are able to offer advice if there are any questions about cancer screening,  Cancer Research UK are also a source of innformation on screening for non-binary and trans people.

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