The National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA) has launched an innovative online training session designed to address the unique needs of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals in breast care and screening.
Commenting on the session, which is part of the NBIA e-learning programme on the national e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH) platform, Dr Megan Bydder, Consultant Breast Radiologist and Clinical Lead for the programme said:
“The new e-learning session is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to create a safe and affirming environment for transgender and gender-diverse people. It also highlights the critical importance of regular breast screening for TGD individuals and explores the unique challenges facing TGD patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer.”
Within the session, participants learn about the importance of understanding gender identity and gender affirmation, navigating NHS gender-affirmation pathways, and the specifics of gender-affirming surgery such as mastectomy and feminising top surgery.
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in dismantling barriers that prevent TGD individuals from accessing necessary medical care. Studies have shown that the TGD population experiences worse healthcare outcomes, including lower cancer survival rates, due to anticipated and experienced discrimination.
The NBIA e-learning session emphasises the importance of understanding and respecting gender diversity. By educating health professionals on gender affirmation and gender-affirming surgical techniques, the session aims to improve the quality of breast care for TGD people. Understanding the implications of procedures such as gender-affirming mastectomy and feminising top surgery is vital for providing comprehensive and sensitive breast care.
Commenting on the contribution of the course to improving access to breast screening for TGD individuals, Dr Bydder said:
“Breast cancer screening is crucial for early detection and treatment, yet many TGD individuals face barriers that prevent them from accessing these services. The session highlights the importance of regular screening and provides guidance on how to encourage TGD individuals to access these lifesaving services. By fostering an inclusive healthcare environment, professionals can help reduce the disparities in cancer survival rates among the TGD population.”
The National Breast Imaging Academy e-LfH programme contains over 150 e-learning sessions designed to provide comprehensive coverage of all aspects of breast imaging and relevant aspects of breast surgery, pathology, nursing, oncology and risk and prevention. The programme complements face-to-face clinical training and also provides valuable CPD resources for qualified staff. Expert authors and editors have been recruited from the breast imaging community and its allied professions to develop the programme which is freely available to all NHS staff.
Find out more about the National Breast Imaging Academy e-learning programme here: e-LfH website