Questions about colorectal cancer screening from LGBTQ community
Is there anything about my sexual or gender identity that affects my risk of colon cancer or getting tested for colon cancer?
No. Nothing about a person’s sexual or gender identity affects colon cancer risk or testing needs. If you’re over 50, it’s a good idea to get checked for colon cancer regardless of your sexual or gender identity.
Am I able to have receptive anal sex (bottoming) when completing the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)?
Yes, you can have receptive anal sex (bottoming) when completing the FOBT. You can continue to be sexually active during the time that samples are collected for the FOBT.
Will gender affirming hormone therapy affect my risk of colon cancer?
We don’t know if levels of testosterone, estrogen or progesterone are risk factors for colon cancer. What we do know is that health care professionals do not need to know about hormone levels for non-trans people when screening for colon cancer. For example, doctors don’t ask non-trans women if they are on birth control. Health care providers who work with trans communities have let us know that hormone changes are likely irrelevant to colon cancer risk. We can’t say this for sure because there is no evidence either way.
