The role of women in imaging and oncology: the evidence

Since the discovery of x-rays the role of women in imaging has become increasingly important. Reflecting the changes in the roles of women in society and the increasing acceptance that women make an effective and complimentary contribution to the workforce, the number of women working in imaging and oncology has increased of the past few decades. This is due in part by the change from male only medical schools early last century to having equal numbers of male and female medical students in many countries by the seventies. Radiology and oncology are attractive career options for women and over the past two decades the proportion of women has increased and is now around 41% in radiology although oncology lags behind. This has allowed an increase in the number of women in leadership roles. This article examines the evidence for women in various roles, explores why having women in positions of influence is important, and looks at trends in the data. The recent move away from Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is disappointing as affirmative action did help greater numbers of women into senior roles. It is clear there are many opportunities for professional women to step up and we should encourage them.