What to say when you talk to your health care provider
Before you get a breast cancer screening, you may want to ask your doctor the following questions:
- What are my risks of getting breast cancer?
- How often should I be screened?
- What will happen during the screening test?
- How long will it take?
- When and how will I learn about the results?
- When will I need to have my next screening?
What to expect from a mammogram
During a mammogram, you will stand in front of a special X-ray machine. There will be several views taken of each breast. A mammography technologist will position your breast between two plates depending on the view being taken (top, side). The machine will apply pressure to flatten the breast tissue between the plates, holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. Having a mammogram is a bit uncomfortable for many people. Some people can find it painful, especially if their breasts are sensitive. The mammogram only takes a few moments, and then the discomfort is over. Talk to your doctor and mammography technologist if you have any concerns before the mammogram.
When to get screened
How often you get screened for breast cancer depends on many factors, including your age, your family history, and your screening history. Breast cancer guidelines historically have been made for *cisgender women. But breast cancer has no gender. Wherever you are on the gender spectrum, there is some risk of breast cancer.
For cisgender women and all other persons assigned female at birth ages 50 to 74, mammograms are recommended every 2 years. If you are 40-49, talk to your healthcare provider about how often you should be screened. Some people might start mammograms earlier or have mammograms more frequently. Ask your doctor when and how often you should get screened and make your appointment.
*cisgender refers to someone who’s gender identity is the same as the sex they were assigned at birth.
Things to consider for transgender and nonbinary individuals
Transgender men and nonbinary individuals
- If you are taking testosterone, you may be at an increased risk for breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about hormone therapy and breast cancer risk.
- If you have undergone chest reconstructive surgery, you still have some chest tissue and are still at risk for breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about when you should be screened.
Transgender women and nonbinary individuals
- If you are taking estrogen, you may be at an increased risk for breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about hormone therapy and breast cancer risk.
- If you have developed breasts by taking estrogen, you may be at an increased risk for breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about dense breasts and mammograms.
Resources
- Recommendations for Cisgender Men| CDC
- Breast Cancer Screening for Transgender People| Susan G. Komen
- LGBT Health Services by State & City | CDC
Can I get screened if I don't have insurance?
Yes. Free breast and cervical cancer screening is available for eligible, uninsured or underinsured Massachusetts residents through the Massachusetts Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (MBCCP). To get more information or to be connected to an MBCCP clinical site near you, please call (877) 414-4447.