Allow men to perform breast screening exams, SoR urges

The U.K. Society of Radiographers is advocating that male mammographers should be allowed to perform breast screening exams.

This recommendation stems from a motion made at the SoR's Annual Delegates Conference on 29 April, which had "overwhelming" support from delegates, according to a statement from the society.

While mammography has been exclusively carried out by female staff in the U.K., the SoR said the vacancy rate among screening mammographers is 17.5%. The organization suggested that adding male workers in breast exam settings could help mitigate challenges in breast imaging efficiency caused by staffing shortages.

At the SoR Annual Delegates' Conference, held in London, the SOR presented a motion that states the following: "The role of a mammographer is to have technical expertise operating imaging equipment, proficiency in understanding anatomy, while maintaining patient comfort and analysing the images produced - skills learnt through education and experience."

The motion adds that men "might excel in this" and "offer a different perspective or approach to patient care."

For more details, go to sor.org/news/mammography/allow-male-health-workers-to-perform-breast-examin. Also, see the BBC News report: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c367ykjzl5go