Males in mammography - A narrative review of the literature

There is a worldwide shortage of radiographers qualified to perform mammography. One solution is the employment of male radiographers. This literature review aims to assess the scope of information available that covers the prospect of males being employed in a breast screening setting. The review specifically focuses on the incidence of males employed as mammographers, training options and client perceptions of males performing breast imaging.

Some countries employ male mammographers, though this is limited. There is contradictory information regarding the education of male radiography students in mammography. Several studies have indicated that clients of breast screening services would be open to males performing mammographic procedures, while others have reported strong opposition. The client's level of education, marital status and ethnicity affected their perception.

The review has shown that the employment of male radiographers in mammography may work better in some countries and in some subgroup of clients than others. The review has also highlighted some of the barriers that needs to be overcome if the widespread inclusion of men in mammography were to be successfully implemented. These include the use of chaperones and providing client choice in the gender of radiographer.