JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Prostate-specific antigen screening among transgender women in clinical care: A retrospective chart review study

  • 0University of Michigan, School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, MI; Women's College Hospital, Research and Innovation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Urologic Oncology +

|

August 15, 2025

|

August 15, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Most transgender women aged 50+ have not received prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. HIV-positive status was linked to higher screening rates, while vaginoplasty trended towards lower rates, highlighting gaps in prostate cancer screening for this population.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Public Health
  • Transgender Health

Background

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening guidelines lack specific recommendations for transgender (trans) women/transfeminine individuals.
  • This population may remain at risk for prostate cancer, especially without gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) or surgeries.
  • Existing guidelines do not address the unique screening needs of trans women/transfeminine persons.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To determine the prevalence of PSA screening among trans women/transfeminine individuals aged 50 and older.
  • To identify sociodemographic, clinical, and social/structural factors associated with PSA screening in this population.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective chart review of 213 trans women/transfeminine persons aged 50+ from 6 clinics in Montreal and Toronto (2018-2019).
  • Prevalence of ever receiving PSA screening was assessed.
  • Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to explore associated factors.

Main Results

  • Only 23.0% of participants aged 50+ had ever received PSA screening.
  • Being HIV positive was significantly associated with higher odds of having received PSA screening (OR: 3.61).
  • Vaginoplasty trended towards lower odds of PSA screening compared to no vaginoplasty (OR: 0.43).

Conclusions

  • The majority of older trans women/transfeminine persons in the study did not receive PSA screening.
  • Findings underscore the need to discuss prostate cancer risk and screening for trans women/transfeminine individuals.
  • Clearer PSA screening guidelines are needed to promote health equity for this underserved population.

Keywords: