What is Breast Cancer ?
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Cancer cells are abnormal cells that grow and multiply when they should not, forming lumps or tumours.
Breast Cancer
Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer. Approximately 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Transgender women may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer due to long term hormones therapy. If you are a transgender woman registered as male with your GP you will not be routinely invited for mammograms through the NHS Breast Screening Programme.
There is a high chance of successful treatment if breast cancer is detected early. For this reason, it is vital that women are breast aware, check their breast regularly (monthly), always have any changes checked by a GP and attend routine breast screening appointments when invited.
Breast Cancer in Men
In rare cases, men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. Less than 1% of breast cancer cases in the UK occur in men. Transgender men who have not had chest reconstruction (top surgery) or who still have breast tissue will have a similar risk to (non-transgender) cis women. If you are a transgender man who is registered as female with your GP, you will continue to be invited for breast screening through the NHS Breast Screening Program.
