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Olubukola Ayodele on the Implications of Male Radiographers in Breast Screening

Olubukola Ayodele/LinkedIn

May 4, 2025, 14:19

Olubukola Ayodele on the Implications of Male Radiographers in Breast Screening

Olubukola Ayodele, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Recently, the Society of Radiographers made a significant call to expand the mammography workforce to include male radiographers. This move, intended to tackle critical staff shortages and reduce breast screening backlogs, has sparked widespread debate across social media and rightly so.

As a breast oncologist deeply committed to advancing cancer care equity, I understand the urgent need to address workforce gaps that threaten timely diagnosis and treatment. Breast screening is a cornerstone of early detection and any step to strengthen the system deserve thoughtful consideration.

However, we must also be mindful of the nuances. Evidence and longstanding experience show that some women particularly from ethnic minority backgrounds, those with religious or cultural considerations and survivors of trauma may feel uncomfortable with male mammographers. These feelings are not trivial; they can directly impact screening attendance and, ultimately, breast cancer outcomes.

In the UK, where screening uptake is already lower in certain marginalised groups, any development that might inadvertently raise new barriers must be approached with caution and sensitivity. Expanding the workforce should be paired with clear, robust policies ensuring patient choice such as the guaranteed option to request a female mammographer and culturally safe pathways.

This is not about questioning the professionalism or capability of male radiographers. It’s about ensuring that progress in one area doesn’t create setbacks in another. True health equity requires us to think holistically and centre the voices of the very communities we aim to serve.

I believe the issue extends beyond just having chaperones. As someone who actively participates in grassroots education with ethnic minority groups, I’ve found that one of the key ways we’ve been able to overcome barriers is by assuring these communities that only women perform the screenings. In many of these groups, men often discourage women from attending their appointments if they know a male will be involved. This situation could exacerbate existing challenges and lead to worse health outcomes for women.

We need to ensure that all patients feel safe, respected, and empowered to engage with life-saving screening.”