As a trans woman or non-binary person assigned male at birth, do I need to get screened for cervical cancer?
Trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people face significant barriers to accessing healthcare and are less likely than cisgender people to be screened for cancer. Barriers that can make participating in cancer screening challenging for people in the trans community include:
- transphobia and discrimination
- limited healthcare provider knowledge about issues affecting trans people (such as gender dysphoria)
- a lack of trans-specific resources
- concerns about physical and emotional safety
But getting screened for cancer is an important part of regular medical care for everyone because the earlier cancer is found, the better the outcome and treatment options will be.
As a trans woman or non-binary person assigned male at birth, do I need to get screened for cervical cancer?
As a trans woman or non-binary person assigned male at birth, what do I need to know about other types of cancer screening?
Some trans women and non-binary people choose to have surgery, such as a vaginoplasty, as part of their gender-affirming care. During a vaginoplasty, tissue from other parts of the body like the penis, colon or skin is used to create a vagina.
Trans women and non-binary people assigned male at birth are not at risk for cervical cancer after having a vaginoplasty and do not need cervical cancer screening. There is some limited evidence that other types of cancer can develop in the tissues used to create the vagina, but more research is needed. The type of cancer would depend on the tissue used in the procedure.
Researchers are still trying to determine the risk of cancer and the best way to screen for cancer after having a vaginoplasty. Talk to your healthcare provider about what screening approach is right for you. A speculum exam or visual exam may be used to look for changes that may lead to cancer.
Your healthcare provider should help you understand the benefits and limitations of cancer screening. They should affirm your gender and perform any tests in a way that reduces your discomfort and any feelings of gender dysphoria you may have as much as possible. Bringing a trusted friend or loved one with you to your appointment may also help you feel more comfortable. And if you don’t feel comfortable, you are allowed to leave and book another appointment with a different provider.