Breast cancer screening in transgender women

Abstract

Objective: To identify early detection approaches for breast cancer in transgender women undergoing hormone therapy.
Methods: This is an integrative review of five articles selected between 2015 and 2025 from the databases PubMed, SciELO,
and VHL. The inclusion criteria considered studies addressing the incidence, risk factors, and screening guidelines for
transgender women. Results: Feminizing hormone therapy is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, although
this risk is still lower compared to cisgender women. The risk for transgender women on therapy is approximately 46%
of the risk observed in cisgender women undergoing regular mammographies. Additionally, 12% of transgender women
reported lack of access to adequate screening services. It is recommended that women on hormone therapy for more than
five years start mammography at age 50. Conclusion: Despite some advancements, there is a need to adapt health protocols to include early breast cancer detection recommendations for transgender women, considering hormone therapy.