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Content warning for discussion of sexual/reproductive anatomy

If you were born with ovaries, then it’s important to be aware of your risk of ovarian cancer. This information is for transgender men, non-binary people, and intersex people. It explains the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, has tips for planning for GP appointments, and explains possible risk factors.

This is general information for those who have not been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer it is important to get specialist advice from your multi-disciplinary team. Find out more about our support for those affected by ovarian cancer here.

We know it can be difficult to read about parts of the body that you may associate with being assigned the wrong sex at birth.  So we have split this post into different sections so it is easy to read and come back to at a later time. If you need any support or want to talk anything through, please contact our support team on 0800 008 7054 or at [email protected] .

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Ovarian cancer signs and symptoms

The four most common signs of ovarian cancer are:

• Bloating that doesn't come and go
• Eating difficulty and feeling full more quickly
• Abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days
• Toilet changes, in urination or bowel habits

If you have had your ovaries removed as part of gender affirmation surgery, then your risk of ovarian cancer is significantly reduced but it is not completely eliminated as disease can develop in the peritoneum (a layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and organs inside it). You still need to be aware and see your GP if you experience symptoms that are new for you and persistent.

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Seeing the GP

The thought of talking to a GP about ovarian cancer symptoms can be stressful. There is significant evidence than trans and non-binary communities face healthcare discrimination, so it can be especially worrying if you are registered as male at the surgery and expect to discuss your gender as part of this conversation. There are some resources at the end of this post which may be useful, including a database of trans-friendly GPs.

The list below has some suggestions for how to make the GP appointments feel more comfortable.  The Ovacome supportline is here to help too. Do get in touch with us if you’d find it helpful to discuss and plan what you want to say in the consultation.

• Remember, you are in control of the appointment. You don’t have to talk about anything you don’t want to, and you can leave at any time.
• If there is a member of the staff at the surgery you trust, you can ask for an appointment with them.
• You can ask for a video or telephone call appointment if that would be easier for you. Some surgeries also provide email consultations.
• If you are attending a face-to-face appointment, you can ask to bring someone with you for support. Usually this will not be a problem, but during the covid-19 pandemic there may be restrictions in place.
• You can ask to book a double appointment, so you don’t feel rushed during the consultation.
• You could write down what you want to say and read it out, or give it to the member of staff to read.
• If you have time in your day, plan something enjoyable to do after the appointment.

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Your risk

Currently there is no conclusive evidence that trans men have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

A systematic review of evidence in 2018 concluded “There is insufficient evidence to estimate breast or reproductive cancer prevalence in the transgender population.”

This later study from 2019 identified a lower risk of breast cancer for transgender men compared with cisgender women. They identified an increased risk of breast cancer for transgender women compared to cisgender men, but the risk was lower than that for cisgender women.

There is more information on the risk of ovarian cancer on the Cancer Research UK website here. (Please note, this information refers to women throughout).

If you are worried about your family history of cancer, Ovarian Cancer Action have lots of useful information, including a hereditary cancer risk tool, on their website.

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Testosterone Hormone Therapy

Currently there is no identified increased risk of ovarian cancer from taking testosterone hormone therapy (THT). A systematic review of evidence in 2018 concluded “Gender-affirming hormones have not been shown to affect cancer risk” but identified a need for more research.

THT may increase the risk of thickening of the womb lining, which can increase the risk of womb cancer. THT more often causes thinning of the womb lining. A pelvic ultrasound is recommended every two years for those who are taking THT for more than two years and have not had a hysterectomy. You can always discuss the possibility of having your ovaries scanned at the same time with your medical team if you are concerned.

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Tests for ovarian cancer

There are more details on tests for ovarian cancer here.

You may be referred for a CA125 blood test. This is a protein that acts as a cancer marker. 

Sometimes a GP will examine you by placing gloved fingers inside your vagina and pressing on your abdomen. This is to check for any lumps or swelling. You can decline this examination and you do not have to give a reason.

You may be referred for an ultrasound. Often this is a transvaginal ultrasound, where a small transducer is placed inside your vagina, using ultrasound waves to create images of your ovaries. You can decline this examination and you do not have to give a reason. You can request an abdominal ultrasound instead, where a transducer is moved across your abdomen.  It is important to have diagnostic imaging if needed, so if you feel able to talk to the medical team about your concerns this will help them plan appropriate imaging for you.

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Experiences

A trans man describes his experience of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer here

A non-binary person blogs about their experience of being treated for ovarian cancer here

An article about a trans man’s experience of being diagnosed with an ovarian tumour during the covid-19 pandemic is available here. He also documents his experience on TikTok here

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Useful organisations

TranzWiki directory of groups campaigning for, supporting or assisting trans and gender non-conforming individuals, including those who are non-binary and non-gender, as well as their families across the UK

LGBT Foundation providing advice, support and information

TransgenderNI support and advocate for the rights of trans people in Northern Ireland

Action for Trans Health database of trans-friendly GPs.

How to complain about the NHS

Healthwatch, the independent national champion for people who use health and social care services

Citizens Advice Bureau information on discrimination in healthcare

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Ovacome would like to thank Finn Grice, Founder and Director of Rose Diversity Training, for his help in writing this information page.

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V.1.1

Due for review March 2023

Disclaimer: Ovacome provides information and support.  We make every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information at the time of printing.  The information we give is not a substitute for professional medical care.  If you suspect you have cancer you should consult your doctor as quickly as possible.  Ovacome cannot accept liability for any inaccuracy in linked sources. Rights reserved.