1190 – Closing the gap: is brazilian mastology achieving gender equity among younger generations?

Abstract

Introduction: The feminization of the Brazilian medical workforce has progressed heterogeneously across specialties,
being historically slower in fields with a surgical component. Mastology, which integrates both clinical and surgical
approaches, represents a relevant setting for analyzing gender equity. This study aims to evaluate the gender distribution
among mastologists in Brazil according to demographic and training-related variables.
Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study using secondary data from the Federal Council of Medicine and the Brazilian
Society of Mastology. Physicians with active registration and a specialist title in mastology were included. The variables
analyzed included gender, age group (as a proxy for years since training), and geographic distribution by macro-region.
Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed, applying the chi-square test to compare proportions, with p<0.05
considered statistically significant.
Results: A predominance of males was identified in the overall sample; however, a higher proportion of females was
observed in younger age groups (p<0.05), suggesting an ongoing feminization trend in the specialty. Geographic distribution showed a higher concentration of specialists in the Southeast and South regions, with no statistically significant differences between genders (p>0.05). In the North and Northeast regions, a lower density of specialists was observed, with
a slight variation in gender distribution.
Conclusion: In Brazil, the field of mastology remains predominantly male but demonstrates a generational shift with
a significant increase in female participation among younger professionals. These findings highlight the importance of
continuous monitoring of gender equity, especially regarding access to training, workforce integration, and leadership
positions. Future studies should explore outcomes related to professional practice and potential structural disparities
within the specialty.
Ethics: Survey.