#347 Gender Affirming Cancer Genetic Counseling

To celebrate the end of Pride month, we are sharing this episode of the PhenoTips Speaker Series, which was hosted by our own, Kira Dineen.

The current rise in structural hostility towards transgender and gender diverse individuals highlights the importance of appropriate and affirming care for this medically marginalized community. In cancer genetics, specific factors such as medical transition and psychosocial impacts alter the approach to, and requirements of, genetic counseling for trans patients. To support the unique needs of trans and gender diverse patients in hereditary cancer genetic counseling, this episode of the PhenoTips Speakers series features an international panel of cancer genetic counselors with advocacy and research specialties in inclusive genetic counseling practices for LGBTQ+ patients.

The PhenoTips Speaker Series is one of many podcasts in our brand new science podcast network called Gene Pool Media. Thanks to everyone who has supported the network by following us @GenePoolMedia on social. Shoutout to the podcasts in our network, you should check them out!

• RealPharma
• Beyond The Thesis with Papa PhD
• DNA Dialogues
• It Happened To Me
• All Access DNA
• #ThroughTheGenes
• Demystifying Genetics
• PhenoTips Speaker Series
• Two brand new shows debuting later this year

If you have a science podcast and are interested in joining the network, go to GenePoolMedia.com and click the “Apply” tab at the top right. Or just email me directly at kira@genepoolmedia.com. I’d love to chat with you about the benefits of joining the network.

On This Episode We Discuss:

• Risk considerations for trans and gender diverse cancer genetic counseling patients
• Creating safe and inclusive environments in cancer genetic counseling
• Protecting patients during times of unprecedented legislation
• Resources and methods to support trans and gender diverse patients

The Panel:

Kimberly Zayhowski, MS, CGC (she/her), is a genetic counselor, researcher, and assistant professor at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. She earned her Master’s in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling from Stanford University School of Medicine and was one of the inaugural research fellows in the GC-FIRST program at the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on LGBTQIA+ care, and specifically, the intersection of gender-affirming care and cancer genetics, with an emphasis on community-engaged research to improve clinical practices. Kim was awarded the Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship for her work in this area. She also serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Genetic Counseling as a Deputy Editor and a Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Integration. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she received the AGCPD Outstanding Clinical Supervisor Award in 2021 and the NSGC Leader in Cultural Advocacy Award in 2022.

Josephine Giblin (she/her/hers) is an NHS genetic counsellor working in Bristol, in the South West of England with an interest in barriers that LGBTQIA+ patients face in accessing genetics care. In the last few years, she has been particularly focused on trans and gender diverse patients with inherited cancer predisposition, leading a project to better equip genetics services to meet the needs of these patients. Recently Josephine worked with the UK Cancer Genetics Group to develop the first UK recommendations for the management of trans and gender diverse patients with inherited cancer risks.

Diane Koeller (she/her/hers) is a senior genetic counselor in the Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. She completed her MS in Genetic Counseling and MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 2016. She provides clinical genetic counseling for individuals and families with hereditary cancer risks. Diane collaborates on research studies in a variety of areas including hereditary lung cancer, LGBTQIA+ inclusive care, and genetic counseling and testing implementation in low resource settings. She is involved in education and advocacy focused on healthcare equity for transgender and gender diverse individuals. She is a co-founder and former co-chair of the Gender-Inclusive Subcommittee of the National Society of Genetic Counselors Cancer Special Interest Group.

Resources and further reading:

• Navigating sexual orientation and gender identity data privacy concerns in United States genetics practices
• NSGC Policy Statement: Distinguishing Sex and Gender to Reduce Harm
• TGD CanScreen Project
• Canadian Resource: Queering Cancer
• CoppaFeel: UK patient resource with gender based language selection
• PhenoTips for Cancer Genetics Tools: LGBTQIA+ inclusive tools for cancer genetics and genetic counseling
• Book a PhenoTips One-on-One Meeting

Relevant DNA Today Episodes:

#190 PhenoTips: Gender Affirming Care in Genetic Counseling

#212 NSGC Recap 2022 (Amplify Sprouted for Gender Inclusive Cancer Genetic Counseling)

#213 Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Gender with Sage Sargent

#243 PhenoTips: Navigating Barriers in LGBTQIA+ Genetic Care

#302 DNA Dialogues: Gender-Affirming Terminology and Hereditary Cancer Care

#344 Trans and Gender Diverse Patients' Experiences with Reproductive Healthcare

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Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.

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