Pride season is a time to honour and reflect on the diverse identities and lived experiences within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The month of June offers an important reminder that while breast cancer doesn’t discriminate – the patient experience may be very different for members of marginalized or vulnerable communities.
This raises the important question: are Canadians in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at a different risk for breast cancer?
Unfortunately, research on breast cancer prevalence among 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada is limited.
For many breast cancer patients, the real challenge lies in navigating the healthcare system. Some American studies suggest that people identifying from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities receive less routine healthcare, including essential cancer screenings, due to fears of discrimination and past experiences with healthcare providers. This means many individuals visit their healthcare providers less frequently, reducing access to regular wellness exams and breast screenings.
Breast Cancer Canada is steadfast in our commitment to advancing screening and detection, advancing patient reported outcomes, and supporting research that enhances patient care with breast cancer. But to do this, we must also acknowledge that personalized screening is often necessary to ensure equitable access to chest care.
For example, transgender men who have not undergone bilateral mastectomy or who have only undergone breast reduction require different approaches to screening than someone who has undergone mastectomy, and despite the removal of most or nearly all breast tissue – the risk of breast cancer in residual breast tissues may still be present and may require screening alternatives such as ultrasound or MRI. Every clinician needs to engage in dialogue with their transgender patients to ensure risks are identified, patients are informed, and equitable access to chest care is available.
Breast Cancer Canada also advocates for regular self-examinations and reminds everyone that an awareness of one’s own body can be a critical measure for early detection. It is also important to educate ourselves about our individual risk factors and be willing to self-advocate when necessary.
Feeling comfortable with our healthcare providers is vital, especially during a period of diminished health, and it is essential that clinicians provide inclusive healthcare environments where all patients feel safe and supported.
Breast cancer does not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Everyone should prioritize regular health check-ups, self-examinations, healthy lifestyle practices, and speak up when they notice changes to their chest health. Breast Cancer Canada is committed to improving the patient experience for all individuals, including those in 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, in our united efforts to end breast cancer through research, awareness, and ongoing advocacy across Canada.
