Dados do Resumo

Título

Challenges and Needs in Breast Cancer Screening for the Transgender Population: A Review of Health Practices and Guidelines

Introdução

Breast cancer screening is essential for reducing its morbidity and mortality. However, INCA guidelines for this condition do not address the needs of the transgender population, as they are focused on cisgender individuals. Evidence indicates that transgender men and women undergoing hormone therapy have different breast cancer risks compared to their cisgender counterparts. Therefore, it is crucial to review these health practices to meet the specific needs of this population.

Objetivo

This paper aims to analyze breast cancer screening practices and guidelines for the transgender population, identifying disparities in detection and evaluating the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy on the risk of developing the disease.

Métodos

This is a literature review designed to investigate the challenges and needs in breast cancer screening for the transgender population. The search was conducted in the PubMed and Elsevier databases from 2019 to 2024, using terms such as "transgender women" and "breast cancer," connected by the Boolean operator "and." Inclusion criteria covered studies discussing screening practices and health guidelines for the transgender population, while studies focused solely on other populations were excluded. After selecting the studies, the data were analyzed qualitatively. The analysis involved identifying recurring themes, trends in findings, and comparing screening practices and health guidelines for breast cancer in the transgender population. The results were synthesized to highlight key challenges and needs in screening, as well as potential gaps in the current literature.

Resultados

Ninety articles were identified, of which 13 met the criteria. A notable lack of relevant results regarding the influence of hormone therapy on breast cancer in transgender individuals was observed, with limitations including discrimination, socioeconomic factors, and low professional awareness. In terms of breast cancer screening, transgender individuals have lower screening rates compared to cisgender individuals. Reasons for low screening adherence include a lack of information and few specific recommendations for this population, with only 35% of physicians aware of these recommendations. There is a lower rate of mammography completion, leading to poorer outcomes. When comparing transgender women to cisgender men, the risk of breast cancer is 46 times higher; however, this risk remains lower than that for cisgender women. Transgender men have a higher risk compared to cisgender men but a lower risk than cisgender women.

Conclusões

It can be inferred that the transgender population undergoing hormone therapy has an increased risk of developing breast cancer, yet there are no adequate protocols for screening this condition. This situation is due to social barriers, discrimination, lack of awareness, and a scarcity of studies. A more inclusive and effective approach in health policies is needed to ensure that all groups have access to evidence-based care.

Palavras Chave

Transgender population; Breast cancer; Health policies