PPS1. Lost in transition: Identifying cancer screening gaps in transgender patients

Thursday, March 5, 2026

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM MST

Location: HUB Poster Park - West Hall 1-3

Co-Author(s)

SK

Sophia G. Kallas, BS

Medical Student
Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
TH

Thomas C. Hansen, BSc

Medical Student
Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
XY

Xin Yang, Ph.D.

Statistical Research Scientist II
Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeastern Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Chandler S. Cortina, MD, MS (he/him/his)

Associate Professor
Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
AP

Andrew E. Petroll, MD, MS

Assistant Professor
1) Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin and 2) Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Alexandra C. Istl, MD, MPH, FRCSC, FSSO (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor
(1) Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin and 2) MCW Cancer Center,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Poster Presenter(s)

PS

Peter J. Stanfield, BA (he/him/his)

Medical Student
Medical College of Wisconsin
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, United States

Introduction: Over 2 million Americans identify as transgender (TG), and while they have known cancer disparities, limited data exist on cancer screening in this population. This study examines uptake rates of recommended breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer screening in transgender men and women and defines rates of organ inventory use.

Methods: A cross-sectional single-institution retrospective cohort study was conducted. Adult patients self-identifying as transgender in their medical record with a healthcare encounter from January 2023-May 2025 were identified in our Data Warehouse. Demographic, clinical, and screening data for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers were collected. The American Cancer Society, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and UCSF TG breast cancer screening guidelines were used for screening indications. Accuracy of the organ inventory in the electronic medical record was also assessed.  Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors predictive of screening.

Results: We identified 1606 transgender patients (820 transgender men (TGM) and 786 transgender women (TGW)). Ages ranged from 18-86 years, with 14.3% 40 or older (n=231) and 6.4% 50 or older (n=103). 73% of patients were treated at the dedicated LGBTQ+ health clinic within our health system. The rate of breast cancer screening uptake in patients for whom screening was indicated was 40%, with similar uptake in TGW (40.8%) and TGM (38.5%). Colorectal cancer screening uptake was 39.6% overall, 41.7% in TGW, and 31.0% in TGM (p=0.3). Prostate cancer screening uptake was 19.6% in TGW while cervical cancer screening uptake was 31.5% in TGM. On multivariate analyses, treatment at the LGBTQ+ clinic was a significant predictor for cervical cancer screening uptake (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.38-3.72, p< 0.001). Other statistically and clinically significant predictors were not identified. The organ inventory was evaluated in 61.4% of patient records (n=985) and was correct in 84.6% (n=834). TG p</span>atients seen in the LGBTQ+ clinic more often had a completed organ inventory versus those not seen in the clinic (75% vs 23.8%, p< 0.01), and treatment at the LGBTQ+ clinic was a predictor for organ inventory use (OR 9.57, 95% CI 7.41-12.4).

Conclusions: Gender-specific medical care is valuable for promoting cancer screening uptake and use of the organ inventory. We showed poor rates of recommended screening uptake in transgender patients, demonstrating opportunities to improve gender-specific screening protocols, even in specialized LGBTQ+ clinics.

Learning Objectives:

Identify cancer screening disparities in transgender patients.
Describe factors predictive of reduced screening uptake in transgender patients.