Breast imaging for transgender individuals: Assessment of current practice and needs Journal Article


Authors: Sonnenblick, E. B.; Lebron-Zapata, L.; Yang, R.; Dodelzon, K.; Sevilimedu, V.; Milch, H.; Dialani, V.; Dontchos, B. N.; Destounis, S.; Grimm, L.
Article Title: Breast imaging for transgender individuals: Assessment of current practice and needs
Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate breast radiologists’ practices related to recording sex and gender in the electronic medical record, knowledge and attitudes about breast cancer screening recommendations for transgender individuals, and experience and willingness to enter screening mammography data from transgender patients into databases that document service provision and outcomes of cancer detection protocols. Methods: A 19-question anonymous survey was distributed by e-mail to all active physician members of the Society of Breast Imaging. Response characteristics were assessed as frequencies and percentages and compared between groups using the Fisher exact test or χ2 test. The degree of agreement between questions was assessed using the McNemar test. Results: Four hundred one radiologists across the United States and Canada responded (response rate 18%). Recording birth-assigned sex distinct from gender identity was reported by 44 of 352 respondents (13%). Depending on geographic region, 38% to 62% of breast radiologists followed screening guidelines for transgender women, and 226 of 349 (65%) did not provide screening recommendations for transgender men. Of 400, 324 (81%) believed that the evidence base for screening transgender individuals is incomplete, and 247 of 352 (70%) were either unsure of or had no Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer competency training. A majority (247 of 401 [62%]) of respondents reported that they would enroll transgender patients in existing or novel national databases. Conclusions: In the practice of breast imaging, there is a substantial need to record transgender and other gender-nonconforming information. Breast radiologists differ in their practice and knowledge regarding screening of transgender women and men but expressed interest in contributing data to facilitate longitudinal databases needed to inform cancer screening guidelines. © 2022
Keywords: united states; clinical practice; breast cancer; evidence based practice; cancer screening; practice guideline; electronic medical record; radiologist; breast imaging; mammography; screening; staff training; medical documentation; physician attitude; gender; canada; professional knowledge; health care survey; human; article; transgender; female to male transgender; male to female transgender; lgbtqia+ people; practice standards
Journal Title: Journal of the American College of Radiology
Volume: 19
Issue: 2 Pt. A
ISSN: 1546-1440
Publisher: Elsevier Science, Inc.  
Date Published: 2022-02-01
Start Page: 221
End Page: 231
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2021.09.047
PUBMED: 34902332
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 March 2022 -- Source: Scopus
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