12 Things to Know About Prostate Cancer If You’re Nonbinary or Trans

The prostate is a small gland behind the bladder in male anatomy. It is part of the reproductive system and produces the fluid that makes semen. In an adult, the prostate is usually the size of a walnut. 

As you age, the prostate grows and can cause problems. Prostate cancer forms when abnormal cells develop in the prostate.

Transgender and nonbinary people experience different feelings between their sex assigned at birth and their expressed gender. Studies show that 3% to 5% of the population assigned male at birth identifies as LGBTQIA. However, sex reassignment surgery does not remove the prostate in trans women, so anyone with a prostate can get prostate cancer.

Usually, prostate cancer has no signs or symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms of prostate cancer include blood in urine, trouble urinating, less urine, erectile dysfunction.

The actual cause of prostate cancer is unclear, but scientists do know that it begins when the cells in the prostate have a mutation in their DNA.

Medically documented cases of trans women with prostate cancer show that most cases are individuals who started hormonal treatment after 50. The stats for nonbinary people are the same as cis men. 

Hormonal level changes in trans women reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. However, prostate cancer can still occur. This depends on family history and if therapy was started later in life.

Poor diets full of fat and unhealthy foods cause DNA damage which can lead to cancer. Healthy diets that include fruits and vegetables help keep the body in an alkaline state. 

Genetics and race are very important. African Americans have double the chance of developing prostate cancer over Caucasians. Your chances also increase if you have a brother, father, or multiple relatives with prostate cancer.

If a prostate exam is needed, both rectal and neovaginal methods can be considered.

You can have a simple prostate exam at the doctor's office where the doctor feels for abnormalities on the surface of the prostate. 

Another simplistic test is a PSA blood test. However, your PSA test may be abnormal if taking feminizing hormones like Oestrogen.  

If further testing is needed, you can go to the hospital for tests such as an MRI for a visual scan. They can also get a biopsy, which takes a small amount of tissue from the prostate for closer examination.

Complications from prostate cancer can include incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and the spreading of cancer to other parts of the body (metastasis).

Though there is much research on cancer in general, medicine does not yet have a grasp on the needs and experiences of LGBTQIA people with cancer. One reason is cancer registries do not usually document sexual orientation.

It is very important to be open about your medical history. Use research and personal recommendations to find LGBT-friendly medical providers.

Research shows that those in support groups have a sense of belonging and community, feel cared for, and feel safe to express their fears.