Transgender and nonbinary patients navigating breast and chest cancer risk assessments face significant hurdles because standard healthcare institutions are not built to serve this population, according to findings from recent qualitative studies conducted by researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine.
Institutional Barriers in Transgender Cancer Care
The research team conducted two parallel qualitative studies to examine gaps in oncology and preventive care. In the initial phase, researchers interviewed 16 transgender patients regarding their personal experiences with top surgery and breast or chest cancer risk assessments. Following that work, the team interviewed 20 healthcare professionals—including primary care physicians, genetic counselors, oncologists, and plastic surgeons—to evaluate current clinical practices and obstacles in cancer screenings for transgender individuals.
According to the researchers, institutional infrastructure remains a primary obstacle. Many clinicians want to help their patients, but a lack of standardized clinical frameworks creates persistent uncertainty during routine visits. For instance, providers often struggle with how to conduct screenings after top surgery or whether patients with familial or genetic cancer risks should consider removing additional tissue.
Did you know?
According to the Boston University School of Medicine researchers, healthcare providers currently lack standardized conversation guides for addressing breast and chest cancer risks with transgender and nonbinary patients.
Developing the CHESTcare Online Toolkit
To address these identified gaps, the research team is actively developing an online resource known as CHESTcare, which stands for Cancer & Hereditary Risk Education & Support for Transgender and nonbinary individuals. This digital platform integrates cancer and hereditary risk education directly with support tools designed to foster informed decision-making regarding breast and chest cancer screening within the framework of gender-affirming care.
The upcoming toolkit is built to serve both sides of the clinical encounter. It incorporates dedicated resources for patients seeking clarity on their personal risk factors, alongside clinical guides for healthcare providers looking to deliver informed, culturally competent care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main barriers to breast and chest cancer risk assessment for transgender patients?
According to researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine, the primary barrier is that healthcare institutions are not built to serve this population, leaving providers without standardized conversation guides or clear clinical pathways for screenings after top surgery.
What is the CHESTcare toolkit?
CHESTcare (Cancer & Hereditary Risk Education & Support for Transgender and nonbinary individuals) is an online toolkit currently in development by researchers to integrate cancer risk education with decision-making support for patients and providers.
Who was interviewed for the Boston University School of Medicine studies?
The research comprised two parallel qualitative studies involving 16 transgender patients discussing their experiences with risk assessment and top surgery, and 20 healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, oncologists, genetic counselors, and plastic surgeons.
Want to stay informed on the latest updates in inclusive healthcare research? Subscribe to our newsletter or explore our healthcare news archive for more in-depth reporting. Feel free to leave your thoughts or questions in the comments below.
Related reading