Trans and non binary people urged to get mammograms

Hospital specialists are encouraging transgender and non-binary people to attend breast cancer screenings.

Experts from Humberside Breast Screening Service said many transgender and non-binary people failed to keep their appointments due to anxiety.

A 2018 survey of over 100,000 people in both communities showed 27% were worried or embarrassed about attending appointments or accessing healthcare.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said transgender men and women who were ed with their GP as female should undergo breast screening every three years after the age of 50.

Lesley Peacock, programme manager at the service, said: "If you are worried or concerned, you can 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."

The NHS Trust said that for non-binary people, anyone assigned female at birth who had not had their breast tissue removed and those assigned male at birth who had been receiving female hormone therapy for at least two years should attend breast screening appointments.

It added that transgender men and transgender women who were ed with their GP as male were not called for screening but could request an appointment.

Those assigned male at birth who had not had female hormone therapy and those assigned female at birth and have had their breast tissue removed would not be called for a mammogram as the risk of breast cancer was low.

Ms Peacock said: "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."

Anyone concerned was urged to Humberside Breast Screening Service to find out more.

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