Transgender and gender diverse cancer care, privacy, community safety. On this episode of All Access DNA, we talk to Dr. Mittendorf about hereditary cancer considerations for people who are transgender and gender diverse. We discuss management guidelines, cancer risks and how knowing hereditary cancer risk may inform medical decisions. The conversation also delves into the significant concerns surrounding the privacy of medical data for transgender individuals. It highlights the fear of being identified as trans in medical records and the potential repercussions of such identification, especially in light of recent legal actions involving healthcare providers. 

 

On This Episode We Discuss:

• The ways gender affirming care can be impacted by hereditary cancer risk.
• The effect of gender dysphoria in making medical decisions.
• Hormone therapy (HRT) and cancer risk
• Privacy concerns are heightened for the transgender community.
• Recent instances have raised alarms about data security in healthcare.
• Community safety is a significant concern related to medical data.
• There is a need for better protections for sensitive health information.

 

Dr. Mittendorf is an interdisciplinary scientist whose current research focuses on translational genomics and cancer care delivery, especially as it impacts populations with reduced access to care. They have extensive experience in genomic evidence synthesis, data modeling, web application development, community-driven research design, implementation science, and genomic applications in care delivery. They have cross-disciplinary training that covers epidemiology, qualitative research, bioethics, and informatics. Their PhD in biochemistry, with a focus on molecular biophysics, gives them a unique foundation to understand the molecular mechanisms at play in the setting of clinical genomics.

 

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Here are more resources related to today’s topic:

• Dr. Mittendorf’s website that includes links to research and resources
• CHESTcare website- CHESTcare stands for Cancer & Hereditary Risk Education & Support for Transgender & Nonbinary Individuals. CHESTcare is a resource for people who have had or are planning “top” surgery (gender-affirming mastectomy) or are taking or planning to take testosterone. Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions about your health and cancer risk.
• YouTube video on Screening, prevention and gender affirming care for transgender people with mutations
• Hereditary cancer care for transgender and nonbinary people from FORCE
• Episode 6- How accessible is genetic testing? With Deanna Darnes
• Episode 19- Is cancer genetic? With Barry Tong
• Episode 26- Does genetics influence sex and gender? With Kim Zayhowski

 

Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to [email protected]

 

Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

 

The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ.