You First for LGBTQ+ Vermonters

The risk of breast/chest and cervical cancers is based on many factors, such as age, family history and more. In general, if you have the body part, you likely need regular cancer screening.

• Cisgender LGBQ women are generally at risk for breast/chest and cervical cancer and should get regular screenings based on their personal risk factors, such as age, family history, and surgeries (like a mastectomy or hysterectomy). By talking to a health care provider, you can discuss individual risk factors to determine how often you should be screened.

• Transgender women may be at risk of breast/chest cancer, especially if they are or have taken hormones. By talking to a health care provider, you can discuss individual risk factors to decide if screening is medically necessary.

• Transgender men may be at risk of breast/chest cancer, especially if they have not had a bilateral mastectomy. Transgender men may be at risk of cervical cancer, especially if they have a cervix or had a total hysterectomy for a pre-cancerous condition or cancer. By talking to a health care provider, you can discuss individual risk factors to decide if screening is medically necessary.

• Nonbinary and intersex Vermonters are encouraged to talk with their health care provider about what cancer screenings are right for their individual needs.

To learn more about breast/chest and cervical cancer screening, read the Pride Center of Vermont's The LGBTQ+ Community’s Guide to Breast & Cervical Cancer Screenings.

For more about LGBTQ+ considerations for cancer screenings, visit the Pride Center of Vermont and this blog post.

Talking to a provider that you can trust is important to your health and can help you determine how often you need cancer screenings. Many folks don’t have a health care provider, which can be a barrier to getting important screenings. A 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment done by the Pride Center of Vermont showed that about 20% of LGBTQ+ Vermonters do not have a regular primary care provider.

The Pride Center of Vermont maintains a list of safe, affirming, supportive and effective health care providers for LGBTQ+ people in Vermont. Find a safe and affirming provider

You First members can see their provider of choice in Vermont. Any provider who accepts Medicaid can accept You First. Find Vermont providers who accept Medicaid

Heart disease is common and we want to help keep your heart healthy. You First members aged 35-64 can get extra heart health benefits.

Learn more about our heart health program

Group activities to promote heart health are available through the Pride Center of Vermont. Check out their online event calendar or email glow@pridecentervt.org to learn more about upcoming events.