Genetic risk of breast cancer is important to consider in transexuals receiving hormone therapy

What is it about?

This is a case report of a transsexual patient who underwent hormonal therapy to assist male to female transition. He developed breast cancer following chronic estrogen therapy and was identified as having a BRCA2 mutation.

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Why is it important?

Hormonal treatment to aid male to female transition has powerful effects on body shape and composition. However, these treatments can contribute to increased cancer risk in patients with an underlying genetic risk factor, so specialized follow up of these patients is necessary. Increased awareness of the risks of cancer in hormonally treated transexual patients can help early identification and treatment.