Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As you age, it’s important to consider your screening needs. Early detection of cancer can increase your treatment options, while also improving your health outcomes.

Your need for screening is primarily based on the parts you have, not your gender. Unfortunately, many screening guidelines use gendered language, referring to “men” or “women” as opposed to “people with prostates” or “people with cervixes.” The Canadian Cancer Society includes screening information specifically for trans people here.

Below, we’ve included some information about screening for LGBTQ populations as it relates to a variety of cancers. It’s important to recognize that this is not an exhaustive list of cancers or related screening. Speak with a healthcare professional about your options if you ever feel as though you are at risk.

 Note: It’s important to note that screening programs may vary between provinces (for example, age ranges for when certain tests might be recommended or publicly covered may differ)

 Cervical Cancer Screening

If you have a cervix, you should have a pap test. The Canadian Cancer Society includes information on pap tests for trans men here.

Information on Alberta’s Cervical Cancer Screening Program can be found here. Some important information to note includes:

• Start at age 25, or 3 years after becoming sexually active (whichever is later)

• Continue until age 69

• Pap tests should be done every 3 years, or more frequently if there is an abnormal result

• If you have had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus), talk to your health care professional about whether you need pap tests

• It is important to note that if Alberta Health does not list you as female, you may not receive automatic reminders to get your pap tests

Breast Cancer/Chest Cancer Screening

Mammograms (X-Rays of Breast/Chest)

While some individuals might wish to receive screenings earlier due to an increased risk of breast cancer, mammograms are not generally recommended before the age of 50. [Note: if you’re under 50 and feel as though you should have a mammogram, speak with your healthcare provider]. Breast/chest screening recommendations for different individuals include:

• Trans women/Trans feminine individuals/MtF

  • If you have taken female hormones for 5 years or more, and are between the ages of 50 and 74, the Canadian Cancer Society recommends that you should be screened for breast cancer. Learn more about breast cancer screening for trans women here.

• Trans men/Trans masculine individuals/FtM

  • Even if you’ve had top surgery, it’s important to monitor for chest cancer/breast cancer if you are between the ages of 50 and 74. Find out more about chest screening for trans men here.

• Cisgender women

  • Cisgender women should be regularly screened for breast cancer between the ages of 50 and 74.

Mammograms are generally recommended every two years between the ages of 50 and 74.

For more information on the Alberta Breast Cancer Screening Program, click here.

Breast/Chest Self-Exams

Breast/chest self-examinations are not automatically recommended for most people, particularly those who are not at a higher risk of breast cancer. Studies show that self-exams don’t necessarily save lives and many lumps that are found are not actually cancer. However, if you do find a lump or any other changes to your breast/chest, talk to your health care professional. More information on breast/chest self-exams can be found here.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Everyone over 50 should be screened for colon cancer. For screening, you can have an annual FIT test, which is a stool (or poop) test that can be done at home. Afterward, the specimen can be taken to a lab for testing.

If there is an abnormal result, you may require a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are also recommended if you have risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer. You can find more information about colorectal screening in Alberta here.

Other Cancers

• Prostate cancer screening (PSA test) is no longer automatically recommended for all people with prostates. You can learn more about prostate cancer screening options here.

• Testicular self-exams are not recommended for most people. If you have an undescended testicle or a personal or family history of testicular cancer, you may need to do a monthly testicular self-exam. You can find more information about this here.

• Information about HPV-related cancers can be found on our HPV page here.