As those of you who have seen it in our stores already know, we carry the quarterly press Original Plumbing, the print magazine designed to address the diverse experiences of transgendered men as well as those in and around the trans community. The San Francisco-based magazine is beautifully made, full of brightly colored photos and inspiring stories about identity, with such varied themes as employment and activism, health and safer sex, hair and fashion. OP's Editor in Chief Amos Mac was generous enough to discuss issues of trans health and breast cancer with me for the Babeland Blog, as OP's contribution to this month's National Breast Cancer Awareness effort. While only minimal research has been done into the incidences of breast cancer amongst transmen, fear of stigmatization and lack of health care access can often contribute to late diagnosis or less than adequate treatment. With this need for further public education in mind, Amos has provided the Babeland Blog with his personal take on transmen and health care:Sarah: What would you like the trans community to know about breast exams and general health concerns for transmen?Amos: As a transman, I continue to get regular check ups, gynocological and otherwise. Even though I had top surgery 2 years ago, my doctor still gives me regular breast tissue exams, and I feel like it's something that is important to stay on top of, as well as gyno exams. Before my top surgery, I would get regularly checked for breast cancer and even though it was uncomfortable for me because I felt so disconnected from my chest, I did it anyway because my health is important to me.Sarah: What should transmen consider when choosing a GP or a OBGYN?Amos: I'd talk to friends in your community about local doctors or health clinics that they have gone to. Find out who the knowledgeable doctors are when it comes to trans issues, who are the respectful doctors, who have other trans people in your area seen? Use the Internet. Connect with people locally. If you live in a small town, make phone calls to local doctors and ask them any questions you may have before setting up an appointment with doctor who may, in the end, not understand the needs of a trans patient. In the end I think that you should connect with your community in real life or online, and don't be afraid to ask other trans people advice as to where you should go. Here's a small list of resources, compiled by Babeland's sex educators. While these centers are in specific locations, their websites also contain useful information regarding health and well being:The Lyon-Martin Health Services in San FranciscoThe Mazzoni Center of PhiladelphiaThe Vancouver Coastal Health Transgender Health ProgramAnd there's more to look forward to from Amos Mac and Original Plumbing next week, when they release their 5th issue: the Fashion Issue. Stay tuned for updates on events happening for the release on the East and West Coast!