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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001672-1792607400-1792611900@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2026-10-21/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261104T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261104T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001673-1793817000-1793821500@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2026-11-04/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261116T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261116T203000
DTSTAMP:20260725T181700Z
CREATED:20260725T181659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260725T181700Z
UID:10000026-1794855600-1794861000@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Member Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/monthly-member-meeting-4-2/2026-11-16/
LOCATION:Virtual with Quarterly In-Person\, Charlotte\, NC\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Member Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CTH_logo_purple_screen.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261118T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261118T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001674-1795026600-1795031100@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2026-11-18/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261202T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261202T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001675-1796236200-1796240700@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2026-12-02/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261216T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261216T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001676-1797445800-1797450300@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2026-12-16/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270106T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270106T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001677-1799260200-1799264700@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-01-06/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270118T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270118T203000
DTSTAMP:20260725T181700Z
CREATED:20260725T181659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260725T181700Z
UID:10000027-1800298800-1800304200@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Member Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/monthly-member-meeting-4-2/2027-01-18/
LOCATION:Virtual with Quarterly In-Person\, Charlotte\, NC\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Member Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CTH_logo_purple_screen.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270120T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270120T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001678-1800469800-1800474300@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-01-20/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270203T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270203T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001679-1801679400-1801683900@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-02-03/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270215T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270215T203000
DTSTAMP:20260725T181700Z
CREATED:20260725T181659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260725T181700Z
UID:10000028-1802718000-1802723400@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Member Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/monthly-member-meeting-4-2/2027-02-15/
LOCATION:Virtual with Quarterly In-Person\, Charlotte\, NC\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Member Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CTH_logo_purple_screen.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270217T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270217T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001680-1802889000-1802893500@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-02-17/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270303T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270303T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001681-1804098600-1804103100@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-03-03/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270315T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270315T203000
DTSTAMP:20260725T181700Z
CREATED:20260725T181659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260725T181700Z
UID:10000029-1805137200-1805142600@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Member Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/monthly-member-meeting-4-2/2027-03-15/
LOCATION:Virtual with Quarterly In-Person\, Charlotte\, NC\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Member Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CTH_logo_purple_screen.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270317T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270317T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001682-1805308200-1805312700@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-03-17/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270407T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270407T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001566-1807122600-1807127100@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-04-07/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270419T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270419T203000
DTSTAMP:20260725T181700Z
CREATED:20260725T181659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260725T181700Z
UID:10000030-1808161200-1808166600@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Member Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/monthly-member-meeting-4-2/2027-04-19/
LOCATION:Virtual with Quarterly In-Person\, Charlotte\, NC\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Member Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CTH_logo_purple_screen.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270421T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270421T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001683-1808332200-1808336700@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-04-21/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270505T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270505T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001684-1809541800-1809546300@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-05-05/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270517T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270517T203000
DTSTAMP:20260725T181700Z
CREATED:20260725T181659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260725T181700Z
UID:10000031-1810580400-1810585800@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Member Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/monthly-member-meeting-4-2/2027-05-17/
LOCATION:Virtual with Quarterly In-Person\, Charlotte\, NC\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Member Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CTH_logo_purple_screen.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270519T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270519T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001685-1810751400-1810755900@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-05-19/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270602T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270602T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001686-1811961000-1811965500@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-06-02/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270616T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270616T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001687-1813170600-1813175100@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-06-16/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270621T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270621T203000
DTSTAMP:20260725T181700Z
CREATED:20260725T181659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260725T181700Z
UID:10000032-1813604400-1813609800@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Member Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/monthly-member-meeting-4-2/2027-06-21/
LOCATION:Virtual with Quarterly In-Person\, Charlotte\, NC\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Member Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CTH_logo_purple_screen.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270707T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270707T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001568-1814985000-1814989500@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-07-07/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270719T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270719T203000
DTSTAMP:20260725T181700Z
CREATED:20260725T181659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260725T181700Z
UID:10000033-1816023600-1816029000@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Member Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/monthly-member-meeting-4-2/2027-07-19/
LOCATION:Virtual with Quarterly In-Person\, Charlotte\, NC\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Member Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CTH_logo_purple_screen.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270721T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270721T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001688-1816194600-1816199100@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-07-21/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270804T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270804T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001689-1817404200-1817408700@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-08-04/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270816T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270816T203000
DTSTAMP:20260725T181700Z
CREATED:20260725T181659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260725T181700Z
UID:10000034-1818442800-1818448200@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Member Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/monthly-member-meeting-4-2/2027-08-16/
LOCATION:Virtual with Quarterly In-Person\, Charlotte\, NC\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Member Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CTH_logo_purple_screen.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270818T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270818T194500
DTSTAMP:20260922T043049Z
CREATED:20260918T233240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T043049Z
UID:10001690-1818613800-1818618300@charlottetranshealth.org
SUMMARY:Therapist-Led Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screenings\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for people who are assigned female at birththere is a 13% risk that they will develop breast cancer at some point in their life (AmericanCancer Society\, n.d.). White individuals who were assigned female at birth have a higher rate ofdeveloping breast cancer. However\, Black individuals who were assigned female at birth have ahigher rate of mortality if they develop breast cancer (American Cancer Society\, n.d.). Breastcancer risk depends on anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgery history\, family history\, andavailable screening guidance. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse\, theprevalence is not so easily understood. Everyone's transitioning journey looks different\, butwhat is still important to understand is the risk as well as screening guidelines based on yourtransitioning journey. \nHormone Therapy and How it Relates to Risk\nHormone therapy can be an important part of an individual’s transition journey. But does takingHRT increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer? Current research suggests that breast cancer risk varies depending on factors such as the hormones a person uses\, how long they have used them\, their age\, family history\, genetics\, and whether they have had chest or breast surgery.In transgender men\, the reduced exposure to estrogen and progesterone appears to lead to anoverall decrease in potential risk of breast cancer relative to cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). However\, it should be noted that data is limited due to limited studies looking at thesefactors within this population\, and there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosteroneitself protects against breast cancer.For transgender women taking estrogen and progesterone\, available research suggests thatbreast cancer risk is higher than among cisgender men but remains lower than among cisgender women (de Blok et al.\, 2019). Some breast cancers are estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive; however\, there is not enough evidence to conclude that testosterone or medications that reduce estrogen exposure protect transgender men from developing these cancers. Breast cancer risk should instead be considered in the context of an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\, age\, genetics\, family history\, and other individual risk factors. \nGender Affirming Surgery Impacting Risk\nWith individuals who are transgender and who have had breast augmentation done\, implants and denser breast tissues could lead to more false positive rates for breast cancer screenings. The modality of screening can also change if transgender women have had a breast augmentation done. Breast cancer screening is usually done with a mammogram\, however this can be painful for transgender women. So\, the other modality that could be done would be an ultrasound and if anything is found to be abnormal\, then your provider could do a mammogram for a follow-up (Deutsch\, 2016).For transgender men who have had a bilateral mastectomy\, removal of both breasts\, mammography may not be technically feasible with limited to no breast tissue. It is recommended that you talk with your provider about mammography\, ultrasound\, MRI screening\, and monthly self-breast examinations. If anything abnormal is felt or seen on the ultrasound\, then a follow-up imaging study may need to be done. \nScreening Guidelines\nScreening Guidelines depend on an individual’s anatomy\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,age\, and individual risk factors. If transgender women have been receiving hormone therapyfor more than five years and have had breast augmentation or have breast tissue formationthen the guidelines recommend starting at age 50 (Deutsch\, 2016). However\, for women whoare assigned female at birth the screening process starts at age 40 and I typically follow thatstart time frame as well for my transgender women patients. The guidelines also state to do thescreening modality\, either the mammogram or ultrasound\, every two years after the individualstarts their screening. Conversations with your providers about over-screening can also beimportant (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021). It is also recommended todiscuss self-breast examinations in both transgender women and men\, and if any abnormallumps or bumps are felt\, to encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider about this.The guidelines for transgender men and individuals who were assigned female at birth who have not have chest surgery or who have had breast reduction rather than bilateral mastectomy\, breast cancer screening should generally follow current screening recommendations for people with comparable breast tissue and risk factors (Deutsch\, 2016; American College of Radiology\, 2021).For transgender men who have had a bilateral breast mastectomy or chest masculinizationsurgery\, it is still important to discuss breast cancer screenings and determine if these individuals would like to do the ultrasound annually starting at 40 or continue with monthly self-breast exams.Of last note it is imperative that transgender individuals know their family history. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer in either transgender men or women\, then it is good forthe patient and/or provider to discuss whether genetic risk assessment or referral for genetic counseling and possible BRCA testing may be appropriate. This is testing done to see if theindividuals have a genetic disposition for potentially developing breast cancer (Deutsch\, 2016). \nConclusion\nWith the prevalence of breast cancer being not thoroughly studied within the transgenderpopulation it is important for both patients and providers to have active conversations aboutindividual risk\, screening\, and modalities. There are different modalities in terms of screening for breast cancer ranging from monthly self-breast examinations to mammograms. Screeningrecommendations may differ based on anatomy\, age\, hormone exposure\, surgical history\,family history\, genetics\, and other individual risk factors.It is important for both patients and providers to understand their risks of breast cancer in relation to family history and hormone therapy and how this could potentially impact their risk for breast cancer as well as understanding when to start screening or having that conversation. It is also important to be aware of changes in breast or chest tissue and to talk with a healthcare provider about any new lump\, skin or nipple change\, or other concerning symptom. With early detection and open and honest communication\, breast cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage and treated with a high success rate.Remember to be open and honest with your provider and patients and remember to stay happy and healthy! \nReferences:\nAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Key statistics for breast cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html de Blok\, C. J. M.\, Wiepjes\, C. M.\, Nota\, N. M.\, van Engelen\, K.\, Adank\, M. A.\, Dreijerink\, K. M. A.\, Barbé\, E.\, Konings\, I. R. H. M.\, & den Heijer\, M. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender peoplereceiving hormone treatment: Nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ\, 365\,l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652Deutsch\, M. B. (2016\, June 17). Screening for breast cancer in transgender women. UCSFGender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/breast-cancer-women
URL:https://charlottetranshealth.org/event/therapist-led-support-group/2027-08-18/
CATEGORIES:Support Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://charlottetranshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Therapist-Led-Group-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Charlotte Trans Health":MAILTO:info@charlottetranshealth.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR