Care for Transgender People

Learn about important considerations for transgender people with inherited mutations. Stay up to date by signing up for our community newsletter.
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Care for Transgender People

Transgender, nonbinary and other gender diverse individuals with inherited mutations may have different risks and risk-management options than people with the same mutation. Although there has been little research on in transgender people, experts have begun to develop guidelines for transgender people with risk based on what is known. 

risk in transgender people

Depending on the type of cancer, several factors play a role in cancer risk, including:

  • sex assigned at birth
  • gender-affirming surgery
  • gender-affirming hormone therapy
  • pregnancy 

The cancers most likely to be effected by these factors include breast cancer and cancers related to the reproductive system. The table below lists these cancers and their related genes. 

Cancer Type

Genes

Breast

ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, CHEK2, NBN, PALB2, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, STK11, TP53

Endometrial

BRCA1*, BRCA2*, EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, PALB2, PMS2, PTEN

Ovarian

BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PALB2, PMS2*, RAD51C, RAD51D

Prostate

ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, EPCAM, HOXB13, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6*, PMS2*

*More research is needed to confirm a link between this gene and this type of cancer.

It's important to find a healthcare team that is knowledgeable about special considerations related to risk in transgender people.     

See below for more information on these topics. 

In the News

Breast cancer risk for transgender women with inherited mutations

Article : Breast cancer risk for transgender women with inherited mutations

There has been little research on breast cancer risk for...

Breast cancer risk for transgender men with inherited mutations

Article : Breast cancer risk for transgender men with inherited mutations

There is little information related to the risks and treatment...

More Information on for Transgender People 

Transgender Men

Read more about risk and medical options for transgender men.

More info

Transgender Women

Read more about risk and medical options for transgender women.

More info

Last updated March 28, 2025