Breast cancer and rainbow communities

Breast cancer can affect people of different sexes, sexual orientations and gender identities.

If you’re lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary or part of another rainbow community, most of the information about breast awareness, breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on our website will still be relevant to you. However, there are some things that may affect your individual risk or your experience of accessing healthcare.

Studies on breast cancer risk in the LGBTQIA+ community are varied. Some studies suggest lesbian women may be at slightly greater risk of breast cancer than heterosexual women. This may be linked to factors such as pregnancy and breastfeeding.^{1, 2, 3}

Some LGBTQIA+ people may feel uncomfortable using healthcare services because of past experiences or fear of discrimination.^{4, 5} This can make it harder to get breast changes checked or attend regular mammograms.

Whatever your gender identity or sexual orientation, you deserve healthcare where you feel safe, respected and listened to.

Knowing what’s normal for your breasts or chest can help you notice changes. If you notice a new or unusual change, see a GP or health professional to get it checked.

There’s still limited research in this area so it's best to talk to a doctor about your risk. Current evidence suggests that transgender women who are taking certain hormones, may have the same breast cancer risk as a cisgender woman (a person born female). Talk to a GP about your risk and whether you should have regular mammograms.

If you’re a transgender man, you can still develop breast cancer. If you’ve had surgery to remove breast tissue (a mastectomy or top surgery), some tissue may remain so there is still a risk of breast cancer.

If you use testosterone, there isn’t currently enough evidence to be certain how it affects breast cancer risk.

Whatever your gender identity, it’s important to know what is normal for your breasts or chest and get any changes checked by a doctor.

• Choose an inclusive doctor who you trust.
• Know the signs of breast cancer.
• Know what is normal for your breasts or chest and get any new or unusual changes checked.
• If you are female at birth or a transgender person, consider enrolling in the free national screening programme from age 45. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible for free breast screening, talk to your GP or another health professional. They can assess your individual needs and advise whether screening may be appropriate for you, even if you don’t meet the usual criteria.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your risk, such as being active, eating well, limiting alcohol and not smoking.
• Understand your family health history of breast cancer and talk to a GP about your risk.
• Call our nurse advice line on 0800 226 8773 if you have any questions.
• Contact an organisation like OUTLineNZ or Rainbow Youth about LGBTIQ+ health concerns.