Reassuring mammogram letter

deadpan · 2025-10-15T14:56:14+00:00

I've had them before and have always had a female carry them out. But I noticed on this letter, it says "Female staff will take your mammogram". Maybe I haven't been observant in the past but I don't remember it being specified. Obviously completely happy with that.

TeiTetua · 15/10/2025 16:03

Oh, that's fine. But the issue may not be whether a "woman" provides the treatment, but who can call themselves a "woman".

ErrolTheDragon · 15/10/2025 16:04

Yes I had one recently, I too noticed it specified female staff - which they were.

CapabilityBrownsHaHa · 15/10/2025 16:15

I believe the NHS confirmed that they only have biological women as mammographers (is that a real word?) as part of the screening programme. This was in response to male radiographers who wanted to get into it and were told "no", because it would reduce the effectiveness of the programme if women couldn't be sure that they'd only ever get another woman doing it.

LeftBoobGoneRogue · 15/10/2025 16:26

I’ve had 5 routine mammograms and always seen female radiographers.
However after the most recent I was recalled to the breast clinic and a male radiographer did my ultrasound and took the biopsy. I wasn’t bothered that he was male and he was very respectful and honest. However I wasn’t warned beforehand and didn’t know until I entered the ultrasound room.
I have since been diagnosed (stage 2a with lymph nodes clear) and had surgery a month ago. Waiting for my radiotherapy planning appointment now.
If it wasn’t for the screening programme, I would be at serious risk of spread because the tumour was deep in and couldn’t be felt by the surgeon.

JustReacher · 15/10/2025 16:28

I'm glad they've clarified that. If I went to an appointment and a transwoman (e.g. a man) went to carry it out, I'd leave.

Original poster

deadpan · 15/10/2025 16:32

TeiTetua · 15/10/2025 16:03

Oh, that's fine. But the issue may not be whether a "woman" provides the treatment, but who can call themselves a "woman".

The letter says female, not woman.

OP posts:

Original poster

deadpan · 15/10/2025 16:34

LeftBoobGoneRogue · 15/10/2025 16:26

I’ve had 5 routine mammograms and always seen female radiographers.
However after the most recent I was recalled to the breast clinic and a male radiographer did my ultrasound and took the biopsy. I wasn’t bothered that he was male and he was very respectful and honest. However I wasn’t warned beforehand and didn’t know until I entered the ultrasound room.
I have since been diagnosed (stage 2a with lymph nodes clear) and had surgery a month ago. Waiting for my radiotherapy planning appointment now.
If it wasn’t for the screening programme, I would be at serious risk of spread because the tumour was deep in and couldn’t be felt by the surgeon.

Good luck with all your treatment ❤️

OP posts:

LeftBoobGoneRogue · 15/10/2025 16:38

Thank you @deadpan

ErrolTheDragon · 15/10/2025 16:39

CapabilityBrownsHaHa · 15/10/2025 16:15

I believe the NHS confirmed that they only have biological women as mammographers (is that a real word?) as part of the screening programme. This was in response to male radiographers who wanted to get into it and were told "no", because it would reduce the effectiveness of the programme if women couldn't be sure that they'd only ever get another woman doing it.

Yes, I think those trucks are a corner of female sanity in the NHS. I almost enjoyed the supportive all women experience.

FarriersGirl · 15/10/2025 16:39

The role of mammographer is one that is designated as being delivered by women only and excludes all men from applying. Schedule 9 Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 is the work exception which describes these Genuine Occupational Requirements.
However I have read NHS policies where it is clear that in some NHS trusts, a trans identifying male employee would be considered as being a suitable applicant for a job with a GOR for a female.

Equality Act 2010

An Act to make provision to require Ministers of the Crown and others when making strategic decisions about the exercise of their functions to have regard to the desirability of reducing socio-economic inequalities; to reform and harmonise equality law...

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/schedule/9

Conxis · 15/10/2025 16:45

I’m sure I read on here that the society of radiographers had voted to extend the role to males but screening clinics were reporting increased cancellations.. The NHS came out and said they would only employ females in this role.

ifIwerenotanandroid · 15/10/2025 19:01

Conxis · 15/10/2025 16:45

I’m sure I read on here that the society of radiographers had voted to extend the role to males but screening clinics were reporting increased cancellations.. The NHS came out and said they would only employ females in this role.

Good. And I say that as someone who's been through breast cancer treatment & had ultrasound, cancer tests & radiotherapy from male practitioners multiple times. Mammos are different: more touching & physical closeness, also a one to one situation as opposed to having nurses in the room too.