Colon cancer screening information for trans women
Trans women need to be screened for colon cancer according to the following guidelines:
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At average risk, age 50+ |
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) at least every two years |
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At high risk |
Colonoscopies starting at age 50 or 10 years before a first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer. People at high risk may have:
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Tips for colonoscopies and trans women
Intimate procedures that examine or expose the genitals can be particularly challenging or risky for trans women. Here are some things that you as a healthcare provider can do to make the experience easier:
Where possible, requisition the colonoscopy at a clinic or hospital with experience in and sensitivity training for LGBTQ populations. If you’re not sure, telephone the clinic in advance and speak to the manager or director to let them know that you are referring a trans client for testing and to make sure they have appropriate training and resources in place.
With your client’s consent, you can note in the file that she is trans, the name she prefers to be called (if different from the name on her health card), and her preferred gender pronouns (usually, she and her).
Make sure that your client understands clearly
- what will happen before, during and after the colonoscopy
- that she will receive sedation and pain medication
- how she will receive the results