Advisory



AEGIS recommends that all MTF transsexual and transgendered persons who have experienced
significant breast development from hormonal therapy do a breast self-examination
on a monthly basis.



AEGIS recommends that all FTM transsexual and transgendered persons who have not
had mastectomy/chest reconstruction do a breast self-examination on a monthly basis.



Those who find lumps or knots in their breasts should contact a physician immediately.





The Problem



Breast cancer is a major cause of death in women. Some scientists believe that it
is related to exposure to estrogen, which is naturally produced by persons with female
bodies, and is ingested or injected in large doses by MTF transsexual and transsexual
people. Consequently, both MTF and FTM persons may be at significant risk for breast
cancer.





Discussion



There have been no studies of the incidence of breast cancer in transsexual and transgendered
persons. The medical literature contains only three reports of breast cancer in MTF
persons. However, cancer would be most likely to arise after a long period on female
hormones, when most MTF individuals have established new lives and identities as
women, and would be unlikely to reveal their transsexualism to physicians. We believe
that the lack of reports of breast cancer in MTF people should not be interpreted
as meaning that MTF persons are not at risk for this disease.



FTM persons often feel disassociated from their breasts, and do not perform breast
self examinations because it reminds them that they have female bodies. However,
until mastectomy or chest reconstruction takes place, and especially before initiation
of testosterone therapy, they are at the same risk for breast cancer as are women.



Breast self-examination is quick and easy to perform, and can detect cancer in its
early stages, when treatment is most effective. We believe that it only makes sense
to perform this quick and easy procedure on a monthly basis.





The American Cancer Association publishes a booklet entitled How to Do Breast Self
Examination. For a copy, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, or contact
AEGIS at P.O. Box 33724, Decatur, GA 30033 / Phone (770) 939-0244 / FAX (770) 939-1770
/ E-Mail [email protected].





Medical Advisory Bulletin

January, 1995

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