Quick Facts
Overall, Atlantic Canada has a higher number of cancer cases than the national average - Health care providers can screen for certain cancers based on anatomy, not gender
- In cisgender women, the most common form of cancer is breast, followed by lung and colorectal
- In cisgender men, the most common form of cancer is prostate, followed by colorectal and lung
- Transgender people may experience a type of cancer that may not be aligned with gender identity (e.g., a transgender woman may need to be screened for prostate cancer or a transgender man may need to be screened for cervical cancer)
- Transgender and gender diverse people are less likely than their cisgender peers to screen for cancer
- Early detection of cancer increases the chances of survival and quality of life. Knowing family history, routinely participating in cancer screenings, and reporting any symptoms or changes in health are the best way to detect cancer early
- On PEI, people can screen for various types of cancer , such as breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal
The Longer Story
While some cancer rates are lower on PEI than the national average, some cancer rates are higher than in other parts of Canada. One factor as to why is PEI’s aging population. According to the PEI Cancer Action Plan 2023–2028, one in 5 Islanders have received a cancer diagnosis. Every year, 1,000 Islanders are diagnosed with cancer.
Interestingly, cancer rates for cisgender women on PEI are on par with national trends, but more cisgender men on PEI are being diagnosed with cancer than the national average for men. There are no specific stats for cancer instances for gender-diverse Islanders.
Early detection of any cancer increases the change of survival and overall quality of life. Knowing cancer risks (family history, lifestyle patterns) and participating in routine screening is the best way to receive an early diagnosis since many cancers do not show any symptoms until it reaches advanced status.
Transgender/Gender Diverse People & Cancer
The medical establishment has identified cancer risk within the transgender population as a research priority. To date, not enough research has been conducted on the rates of cancer within the trans and gender diverse communities.
Some transgender people elect to undergo gender-affirming surgical procedures; however, not all do. Even for those who do, these surgeries may take place over time and not occur all at once. It’s important, then, to consider cancer screening tests that align with a person’s anatomy, not necessarily their gender expression.
Additionally, it’s important for both transgender people and health care professionals to be aware of any increased risks associated with hormone therapy. A transgender woman, for example, should be screened for breast cancer, due to the increase of estrogen within their body; a transgender man might still need to be screened for cervical cancer.
Lastly, the transgender community has higher instances of smoking and drinking, behaviours that can increase one’s risk of cancer.
Because transgender and gender diverse people experience discrimination in the health care system, they are less likely to seek out screening procedures, especially for procedures that involve reproductive system body parts. Studies have shown that transgender people are less up to date with breast and cervical screening than cisgender women. Some provinces have guidelines for screening trans women for breast cancer, including Nova Scotia and Ontario. One of the recommendations in these policies is to use gender-neutral language when it comes to discussion specific forms of cancer.
Specific data on cancer incidence within the transgender population is not readily available. For example, the Health PEI statistics on cancer from 1986–2009 categorizes cancer rates in two genders: men and women. Research hasn’t quite caught up with best practice gender inclusive language. However, another factor could be the dismissal and discrimination that some transgender people experience within the health care system. A health care professional who is discriminatory against a transgender person might misgender their patient or make the experience so uncomfortable that the person stops seeking medical care altogether. Health care professionals who are inclusive may still not be trained on latest research pertaining to transgender care and screening.
Cancer screening options on PEI
On PEI, there are screening options for various cancers, including breast and cervical.
Breast
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for cisgender women. It also has the highest mortality rate for cisgender women. There are no stats, to date, for incidents of breast cancer within cisgender male population or the transgender/gender-diverse populations. On PEI, an average of 115 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, with approximately half of cases occurring in women aged 50 - 69.
The best way to screen for breast cancer is to get a mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast tissue, and it can effectively detect cancer in its early stages. They are a useful tool in achieving an overall picture of a person’s breast, meaning that regular screening can detect minor changes that could indicate cancer. Often, these changes can be detected in a mammogram before an individual can feel any noticeable change in the breast themselves.
On PEI, mammograms are available for individuals 40 - 74 who have breast tissue. For those ages 40 - 49, screening is recommended annually; for those 50-74, screening is recommended every two years. For Islanders considered high risk, screening is recommended annually.
To self-refer and book a mammogram, contact the PEI Breast Screening Program.
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer rates in PEI remain some of the highest in the country. In 2023, PEI became one of the first provinces in Canada to replace pap tests (what had previously been used to screen for cervical cancer) with HPV (human papillomavirus) testing. Current guidelines recommend that anyone with a cervix (ages 25 - 66) should get tested every 5 years. The province hopes to launch a home testing kit in 2024 - 2025. Until that time, to learn more or to book an appointment, visit here.
Sources
Braun H, Nash R, Tangpricha V, Brockman J, Ward K, Goodman M. Cancer in Transgender People: Evidence and Methodological Considerations. Epidemiol Rev. 2017 Jan 1;39(1):93-107. doi: 10.1093/epirev/mxw003. PMID: 28486701; PMCID: PMC5868281.
HPV Screening and Cervical Cancer Prevention. Government of Prince Edward Island.
New policy addresses cancer screening inequities in transgender people. Cancer Care Ontario.
PEI Cancer Action Plan: Making a difference together. 2023–2028. [PDF]
“P.E.I.'s cervical cancer rate high, but more screening options coming.” CBC. December 11, 2023.
Trans, Gender-Diverse, and Non-Binary Screening Guidelines. Nova Scotia Breast screening Program.
Published date: August 2024
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