Provider Recommendations Are Associated with Cancer Screening of Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming People: A Cross-Sectional Urban Survey.

This study examined the relationship between clinician recommendation and receipt of cancer screenings among a transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) sample (=58). Respondents self-identified as TGNC, age 40+ years, and residents of the Washington, D.C. area. Odds ratios were calculated to compare provider-recommended with received screenings. An open-text question asked for recommendations to improve screening experiences. Provider recommendations were associated with screenings for breast, colorectal, prostate, lung, and anal cancer. Respondents cited interpersonal skills, affirming language, and clear information as important health care provider characteristics. Participants reported being more likely to be screened if a provider recommended one regardless of evidence from current published guidelines. Gender identity, anatomy, and hormone exposure are critical elements that should be collected in future cancer screening research to build a stronger evidence base for provider recommendations based on population-level and individual-level risks of TGNC people.