According to a recent report from The Guardian, experts have raised concerns about a significant issue affecting trans individuals in the UK: the loss of key medical data when individuals change their legal gender on their general practitioner (GP) records. This data loss has resulted in thousands of trans individuals being excluded from routine cancer screenings, such as mammograms and smear tests, which are critical for early cancer detection.

The problem was highlighted at the World Cancer Congress in Geneva, where experts stressed that many trans women in England, who have not updated their gender on medical records, are not automatically invited for breast cancer screenings.

Stewart O’Callaghan, CEO of the charity OutPatients, underscored the gravity of the situation during the summit in Geneva. He pointed out that even if only 10% of transgender people in the UK changed their gender on their GP records, this would still amount to tens of thousands who are excluded from routine screenings.

These screenings, such as mammograms for breast cancer and cervical smear tests, are vital tools for detecting cancer early and saving lives. However, the current system does not account for the unique needs of transgender patients, leaving many without essential preventive care.

The NHS does provide guidance that trans patients who are not automatically included in screening programs can request mammograms or smear tests through their GPs. However, many family doctors lack the necessary training to discuss these issues and ensure transgender patients have equal access to the tests, reminders, and follow-ups as their cisgender counterparts. This gap in care exacerbates the already existing barriers trans people face when accessing healthcare, often resulting in delayed or missed screenings altogether.

One particularly concerning factor for trans women is that the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can slightly increase their risk of developing breast cancer, making regular mammograms even more essential. Yet, without adequate screening invites, many trans women may not be aware of this risk or may find it difficult to request these vital screenings.

O’Callaghan emphasised the need for a system that can track trans patients’ health needs without compromising their privacy. The issue is further compounded by the fact that transgender individuals often avoid cancer screening programs altogether due to fear of discrimination or the emotional distress associated with gender dysphoria.

The situation in the UK mirrors findings identified in Ireland, as Dr Carolyn Moloney from Cork University Hospital presented on the topic at an oncology conference in 2019. In her presentation, entitled “Cancer Doesn’t Do Labels,” Dr. Moloney discussed the need for healthcare systems to become more trans-inclusive and to ensure that all patients, regardless of gender identity, have access to life-saving cancer screenings.