Statement from the Society of Radiographers re Mammograms

[Mollyollydolly]

The Society of Radiographers have issued the following statement after the news story this week.
Women are already self excluding because of the coverage, women will probably die.
They have fucked up massively.
I have no words for the damage they've done.
I'd really love to know which individual proposed it in the name of diversity and inclusion.
So angry about it.
And to all the women on here who were posting they didn't care who did it, this is the result. Women self excluding.

"Recent media coverage about the role of men in mammography has caused concern for people and we want to provide reassurance and set the record straight.
The coverage followed a motion passed at the Society of Radiographers’ Annual Delegates Conference (ADC). ADC provides members with the opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of the Society. Each region and country propose motions for debate, which are voted on by delegates at the conference.
The motion in question asked the Society to explore how we could support fair access to mammography as a career, as mammography in breast screening is currently restricted to female staff.
It does not change NHS policy, and it does not mean that only male mammographers will be employed.
We understand that this coverage has led to distress and confusion, with some contacting screening services or cancelling appointments, concerned that they will be having a man perform their mammogram. We are deeply sorry for the concern this has caused and are working to provide clear and accurate information.
No changes have been made to who carries out breast screening by this motion. The breast screening experience remains:

• A specialist called a mammographer will take breast screening mammograms.
• The mammographer will be female.
• They will explain what will happen at each stage, and you can ask any questions you may have.
• Radiographers and mammographers in NHS services continue to ensure that patient care is delivered safely, sensitively, and with respect for personal, cultural, and religious needs.

Breast screening is a vital part of early cancer detection and saves lives every year. We recognise how important it is that women feel safe, respected and informed when accessing these services. Protecting trust in the screening programme is essential, and we are working with our NHS colleagues to support this. The motion passed at ADC will now go to the Society’s UK Council to decide whether any further work should be done. If it is taken forward, this will involve detailed discussions with NHS bodies, patient groups and service providers. While the Society can advocate for change on behalf of members, it does not have the authority to change NHS policy. Our intention is to support a professional, inclusive workforce while always protecting the rights and dignity of patients. Mammography screening services will continue to prioritise compassionate, people-centred care. Further updates will be shared when appropriate." https://www.sor.org/news/mammography/public-statement-mammography

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

I was also suspicious about the timing, good call.

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

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

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.

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

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..

@whatsit84 Surely you can't be that dim !

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

That’s the interesting question.

I suspect it’s to explain why this change is suddenly needed rather than admitting that it’s needed in light of the SC ruling because they’ve fucked by incorrectly classing transwomen as “female” when recruiting for mammographers for several years.

Well if the only woman scheduled to work is off sick, then the chances of someone being able to cover at short notice in the NHS is low. Where would this other woman practitioner be conjured from?

I suspect that the media has been wilfully shit stirring......as this headline came straight after the coverage of the supreme court ruling regards to male access to female only facilities. I'm sure this has been discussed in professional circles for some time, but the timing of the article indicates that its purpose was to agitate rather than enlighten.

A clear example of why women are self-excluding from an essential health check. Women fancy other women too, but if it’s an all-women situation you’re not worrying about sexual assault.

They really didn't. They made you lie on your back so they didn't have to bend over

Pathetic and childish comment. How old are you? Presumably still young enough to only consider men in terms of whether they fancy you. Or not someone capable of any real thought or leap of imagination why older women don’t want their breasts manhandled by a man.

Routine mammograms in the uk are given to women in their 50s 60s and early 70s. We are past simpering about whether men fancy us. We have had a lot of life experiences, including traumatic ones. This is about dignity and feeling safe, and we absolutely deserve that without all the laughing emojis from shallow minded idiots.

Grow up.