Itinerários terapêuticos de homens trans: psicologia e cuidado no câncer de colo uterino

Abstract

Introduction: Even with the recent prominence of the issue of transsexuality in health and public policies, the transmasculine population remains distanced from and rendered invisible in healthcare practices, especially in the context of chronic illnesses such as cervical cancer. This directly impacts the care pathways constructed by trans men when facing oncological illness. Objective: To investigate, from the perspective of psychology, how the therapeutic itineraries of trans men are constructed in the context of cervical cancer. Method: An integrative review was conducted in the databases Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO, and the CAPES Periodicals Portal, complemented by epidemiological data extracted from DATASUS related to preventive and diagnostic exams for cervical cancer. The review included empirical articles, theses, and dissertations published between 2014 and 2024, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, related to the research theme and involving trans men, transmasculine people, or their healthcare professionals. Results: 29 articles were selected for the study. A total of 125 record units referring to therapeutic itineraries were identified, divided into four categories: barriers to access and adherence to cervical cancer screening; lack of adequate support and difficulties in the healthcare system; interventions and strategies to improve care; and concerns and effectiveness of screening methods. Epidemiological data indicated growth in the number of cytopathological exams performed in people registered as male, but still in much lower numbers than those observed among cis women. Conclusions: Subjective, structural, and symbolic barriers that affect the therapeutic itineraries of the transmasculine population were identified, as well as important strategies to promote care. Psychology stands out as a mediator between subjective experiences and institutional processes, fostering comprehensive care and supporting qualified listening, health training, and the development of public policies.