Statement from the Society of Radiographers re Mammograms

There are actually more female gynaecologists than male at present. AI tells me that the proportion of female gynaecologists is greater than that of male (is backed up by NHS data)
https://digital.nhs.uk/binaries/content/assets/website-assets/supplementary-information/supplementary-info-2024/hchs-drs-with-obstetrics--gynaecology-specialty-by-gender-2009--2024_ah4965.xlsx

Gynaecology was practised solely by men before women were permitted to study medicine. In fact, male gynaecologists did much to make childbirth safer and more comfortable for women. Reproductive medicine is a complex, interesting and demanding discipline. Taking a mammogram is a relatively simple procedure requiring a far lower level of qualification.

If more mammographers are needed, efforts should be made to recruit women, perhaps through the Level 4 Apprenticeship route, which already exists. Flexible working and family friendly hours could make it an attractive prospect.

It would be more helpful to know why there are staff shortages and are they general or in specific places, rather than just saying the answer is to employ men.

I work as a locum in a shortage specialty and it's always obvious why the place I am working can't recruit - either it's geographically remote, next door to a much more popular town or the team is affected by bullying. Or a combination of the three.

But even a hint that a man might do a mammogram has already caused women to cancel their appointments. If men routinely became involved in the service far more women would self exclude which is the opposite outcome to what the service wants to achieve. Women on the other thread have said they have requested women for other procedures and found out that there was only a man available when they arrived for their appointment. I confidently predicted this suggestion will never ne implemented because it would be counter productive and far too difficult to manage.

Which requires a level of health literacy that not every woman receiving a letter has.

If a woman goes for mammogram not understanding that she will see a male, how will the service ensures she’s still seen the same day by a female? Will she have the confidence to refuse a male, or will she feel she has to acquiesce?

They aren't, at least in the UK.

It's more like 60% female, 40% male.

The trend is for the specialty to become increasingly female as medicine itself is becoming increasingly female.

I think the poster must be dim or confused...one of those 'what is a woman?' people.

From my understanding, some places in the UK do struggle to have people seen in time for routine screening due to lack of staff. It isn't an issue where I live at all.

That's all irrelevant if you can just tick a box stating your preference for a female or that you don't mind a male.

I have mammograms. Have done since 30.

I’ve not read the entire thread so if this has already been discussed please ignore me but where has this ‘shorter wait’ business come from? You get a breast screening reminder every 3 years and the only time I’ve been aware of that being delayed was because of lockdown (and I understand they’ve now caught up). Has the 3 years been creeping up to 3-4 or something?

It's hopefully never going to be a decision that anyone will have to make. This is a screening test which is already not a pleasant experience. You already receive a letter saying that repeated xrays can increase your risk of cancer so a mammogram itself is currently not without risk. Factor in the level of concern that the possibility that a man might do it and you have women self excluding from screening at a much higher level.

@whatsit84 Surely you can't be that dim !

Whoever the idiot was, who decided this would ever be acceptable, needs to get a grip. Their arrogance and stupidity have caused a lot of unnecessary harm.

They should also be removed from all policy making related to women and children. They don't have a basic understanding of the issues..

As someone in the NHS, this is how it will likely end up working. I don't mind who does mine.

You're not bothered about women missing screening at even the hint that a man might be carrying it out? Possibly because they have already experienced sexual assault. Ok nasty online troll. Thanks for your contribution.

Why do you think that's funny? That accusation has been frequently used against women to make them feel stupid and embarrassed.

Because more men traditionally got places at medical school and were more able to specialise.

I was also suspicious about the timing, good call.

This is very insightful. I’ve copied your post over to the NHS audit group, in case any of them missed it here.

Ah, that makes sense. And of course it would happen in Brighton. Pathetic.

Their statement is pretty crap too - conflating sex and gender, prioritising the feelings of men, not those of women.

That holds true for voting and elections, too, fwiw.

Never understood why so many politicians fail to grasp reticence.

Remember when women were briefly allowed.to have 'woman centred' services?

They only use the word ‘woman’ once in the article. Elsewhere it’s patients, those and people.

pretty easy to see whose side they are on!

i don’t want a bloke doing my breast screening. Can only imagine what pervy blokes would want to spend their days screening breasts.

Surely there are enough other opportunities for men in radiography?

I think institutions really underestimate how much women do not complain about men in their spaces.
Women simply don't go or time when they go. No hassle. No arguing. No need for distress. Most importantly no need to face any malesor anyone advocating for them.

All the harping on about how no one complains is pointless if the majority of the demographic is female. They won't complain. Complaints are not a measure for finding out if women are comfortable with something.

Thank you for picking this up. I meant radiographer and understand the difference. I’d have no problem with a male radiologist scanning me. Their medical specialism covers all types of imaging and a breadth of conditions. A man choosing to specialise in mammography, a woman-centred service, feels different. 😕

Why don't you mind? In a world where 50% of people are women, why can't mammography be restricted to female?
There is no choice where I am, sometimes there is no service. I've been screened by a woman who travelled 100 miles every day to provide the service.
Cancer cells wouldn't wait around while the boys who want to play at squashing breasts have their turn.
Maybe you don't mind a man hugging you and pushing you while squidging your boob into the machine, while you're half naked, but could you not see it would be simpler for all to be female?
Even leaving the touching aside, when they see a lump, it's a woman's shoulder I want to cry on.