Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Ussher, Jane M.
• Power, Rosalie
• Allison, Kimberley
• Sperring, Samantha
• Parton, Chloe
• Perz, Janette
• Davies, Cristyn
• Hawkey, Alexandra J.
• Robinson, Kerry H.
• Hickey, Martha
• Anazodo, Antoinette
• Ellis, Colin
• Cook, Teddy
• Riggs, Damien W.
• Rosenberg, Shoshana

Titel

Erasure of identity or gender euphoria: The impact of cancer on trans embodiment

Ist Teil von

• Trans Reproductive and Sexual Health, 2023, Vol.1, p.116-136

Auflage

1

Ort / Verlag

Routledge

Erscheinungsjahr

2023

Quelle

Alma/SFX Local Collection

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• This chapter reviews current knowledge about experiences of identity and embodiment for trans people with cancer and trans cancer carers, drawing on existing literature, as well as the findings of our recently completed Out with Cancer Study, involving 430 LGBTQI cancer survivors and 130 carers, including 63 patients and 23 carers who identified as trans. For trans people diagnosed with cancer, both the symptoms of cancer and the cancer treatment may affect gender, embodiment, and processes of gender affirmation. In the Out with Cancer Study, we found significantly higher levels of distress in trans participants in comparison to the cis participants, with distress associated with impact of cancer on trans identity. In qualitative analysis we identified heightened gender dysphoria and interrupted gender affirmation as the primary negative impacts of cancer on identity. However, for some trans individuals, cancer interventions had a positive impact, reflected in gender euphoria - comfort or joy in one's gender - and facilitation of gender affirmation. Interactions with healthcare professionals had the potential to exacerbate or ameliorate the negative impact of cancer on trans identity and embodiment. There is a pressing need for attention to be paid to the cancer survivorship and cancer caring experiences of trans people, in order to inform practice and policy, and the development of culturally safe cancer information and care. For some trans individuals, cancer interventions had a positive impact, reflected in gender euphoria and facilitation of gender affirmation. This chapter reviews current knowledge about experiences of identity and embodiment for trans people with cancer and trans cancer carers, including their interactions with healthcare professionals, drawing on existing literature, as well as the findings of our recently completed Out with Cancer Study. It outlines the study methodology and examines existing literature on cancer risk factors which may be unique for trans people. Trans people may be excluded from screening reminders or invitations to screen for relevant gendered cancers because of the ways their gender is listed in medical records. Cancer diagnosis can result in ambivalent feelings around identity for some trans people. For some, a cancer diagnosis can facilitate or confirm the decision to engage in gender affirmation. Surveys of cancer health professionals have evidenced self-deficits in objective and self-perceived knowledge of the cancer-related needs of trans patients.