Researchers found that providers sometimes defer education to each other, increasing the risk of patients falling through the cracks.

By Paul A. Djupe and Brooklyn Walker [Image credit. National Women’s History Museum.] Every election cycle, millions of women cast votes. For many of them, their right to vote seems uncontroversial…

Purpose Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy (GAM) face unique challenges related to breast cancer risk assessment and screening. This study aimed to identify factors that influence healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) integration of cancer risk evaluation, including genetic assessment, within the context of GAM and pre-surgical planning. Methods We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 healthcare professionals - including six primary care providers, five cancer genetic counselors, six oncologists, and three plastic surgeons - experienced in caring for TGD patients considering or undergoing GAM. Using a social constructivist framework, we applied reflexive thematic analysis to explore HCP perspectives and generate key themes. Results We conceptualized five key themes: (1) HCPs perceive no clear ownership for care integration of breast cancer risk assessment; (2) conflicting guidelines force HCPs to rely on their own judgment, resulting in inconsistent practice; (3) care pathways are driven by individual HCP champions rather than standardized protocols; (4) GAM frequently occurs at young ages prior to age of population cancer risk screening initiation, complicating risk discussions; and (5) structural failures in care delivery compromise patient safety. Conclusion Improving cancer risk assessment for TGD patients undergoing GAM demands clear institutional accountability, harmonized evidence-based guidelines, standardized care pathways, and genetic counseling embedded into multidisciplinary gender-affirming care teams. These coordinated structural efforts are critical to integrate equitable, personalized, and patient-centered cancer prevention with gender-affirming surgical care.

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals experience significant health care disparities across the oncology spectrum of care. Systemic barriers, past harmful health care experiences, the socio...

Transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) people frequently pursue surgical or hormonal gender-affirming medical care (GAMC). While some guidelines acknowledge an impact of GAMC on cancer risk and managemen...

From these themes, we derived actionable guidance to address breast cancer health equity in this population. Enhancing patient education, increasing provider awareness, and developing inclusive clinic...

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Scientists sound the alarm about Trump’s unprecedented “Big Brother” research crackdown.

Neurodivergent scientists say STEM isn’t built for them, despite the contributions they bring

PURPOSEClinical risk assessment models can identify patients with hereditary cancer susceptibility, but it is unknown how multigene cancer syndrome prediction models compare with syndrome-specific mod...