To have found my first mammogram really upsetting?

I do not agree. When you have an operation you have to give explicit written consent. The NHS operates under a framework of set rules and guidance. If they deemed 'consent' to be required for the mammogram, then this would be in place. The fact is that they don't deem this necessary as your interactions in attending are well founded enough to deem to have non verbal consent- and telling someone you are doing something is not the same as asking for consent. Are you saying that the mammogram procedure without specific consent is not legally sufficient? You best tell the NHS that they have it all wrong...

Yanbu, I was recently examined by a physiotherapist (only my back and hips) and he politely asked if it was okay to place his hands there, requested me to move my own hair out of the way, explained what he was doing at every step etc. All very considerate and respectful.

So I’d imagine that something like a mammogram, I.e. more intimidating and potentially sensitive, would definitely necessitate the same level of consideration. Sorry you were made to feel uncomfortable

Well exactly. And I am sure that has happened more than once. That is why consent, even if it is "I am just going to ..." to give the patient a chance to say no, is legally essential. If you aren't warned you can't say no. "Just being there" is not legally sufficient. If for instance an doctor deliberately touched a woman's breast without saying anything first, even if the examination was expected, then the GMC would regard that as a sexual assault.

Please report them. 💐

You're comparing apples and oranges. And statistically, only a tiny number of men will get breast cancer.

If all men were routinely called in for a mammogram you can be sure there would be a new method of doing it invented at warp speed.

Firmly IME.

As per my pp, the machines are also used for men, god knows how.

Men with lumps in their breasts are checked using the same machines as women. (Breast cancer kills more UK men than testicular cancer).

That's good but women don't all have the same experience though. I've had tons of pelvic exams, most have been fine and don't bother me at all,the last one was horrific and quite frankly if I had that HCP again I'd walk out.

People need to remember that pain/ discomfort is what the patient says it is.

Don't swear at me thanks. I said I wonder what the radiographer's recollection would be? Perception of an incident as 'grabbing' is not an indisputed fact you know? It is her recollection and interpretation. I am fairly certain the radiographer would say she moved or touched her appropriately. But of course please just continue to spout your vitriol.

Okay.... Make it make sense.

Well let me help you, because she wasn’t asked for consent

How does that work?

Radiologist: "You're here for a mammogram. Do you consent to me touching your breasts?"

OP: "No"

End of process.

I do understand op. I have skin cancer and have been treated with consideration throughout two ops. I include this only to demonstrate I am not oversensitive. But I dread this procedure because there is a staff member at our local unit who is so cold, unkind and I believe unnecessarily rough. Last time I went, she called me and she knew, I could see it on her face, that she recalled my distress. I actually considered leaving. The procedure was carried out in silence, no asking or explanation. I get it is a professional procedure that they do day in, day out but it is not an everyday procedure to those attending. I am not of the school that women should be grateful.

This

I've had several and the nurses have always been kind and respectful

Well let me help you, because she wasn’t asked for consent or treated with empathy when in a vulnerable situation. Why do you think medical staff shouldn’t have to do those things?

Rest assured I'm a woman. And I don't see how the OP was treated as less than human.

So now we also can’t trust a woman when she speaks of being grabbed? Is that just by medical staff or by anyone? How hard is it to just fucking ask first?

It sounds like your issue wasn't the test, but that you got a HCP with a crap bedside manner, so no amount of research would have helped. I have to have regular very invasive medical procedures, and the manner of the person makes such a difference. Most of the professionals I see are fantastic, but I once had a doctor make 8 attempts at starting an iv. Most doctors at least warn you when they are going to put the needle, but this guy didn't say a word, except to get annoyed when I involuntarily jumped when he stuck a needle in with no warning.

I’m sorry you had that experience OP, and I do think you should complain. It’s shocking to also see so many women(?) on here who seem to revel in other women being treated like dogs. They have zero concern for our comfort or any past traumas, and seem to think we should be happy to be treated as less than human. It’s a revolting attitude.

I know a lot about informed consent

My dogs know a lot about cats. Doesn’t mean I would trust them with one.

It’s interesting to read how defensive some posters are.

The way to deal with a complaint like this is to:

• Review the wording on the information that’s sent to patients in advance. A minor wording change to make it more explicit who is being offered extra support (not just SEN) could help.
• Does that particular staff member have other complaints against them, is something going on for them?
• Does the screening team needs some refresher training.
• Are there other circumstances to take into such as staff shortages?

I had no idea as I said earlier, I thought you positioned yourself. I can understand why it was a bit of a surprise for the OP.

Blimey, they'd have a hard job making my breasts like pita breads, I hardly have anything to squash! I wonder how they do it with v small breasted women?

I find it odd that you willing attend a mammogram appointment but expect to be asked if your breasts can be touched. How on earth would they scan you otherwise?

You have presumed it was more hands off than it is but you definitely should have researched it first.

I know a lot about informed consent. When the letter is sent, no special needs are indicated, and there is information provided about the procedure - that would qualify as informed non verbal consent, to compare it to a rapist's defence is so revolting and shameful of you. The 'grabbing' is what was perceived by the OP. I have no idea if the radiographer would agree with this statement. But you continue take everything at face value - it sounds like you are very adept at this.

You have not told me I am wrong, you have expressed an opinion with which I disagree. I really think you have a comprehension problem when you feel the need to compare a rapist's defence with a medical procedure undertaken by a trained healthcare worker. It really is so lacking in basic understanding that you would conflate the two which tells me a lot about your mindset. When I said it is a rhetorical statement I literally mean that I am not stating I want to help you, it is a turn of phrase.