Feminist narratives are being hijacked to market medical tests not backed by evidence
In the 1980s, companies co-opted messaging about female autonomy to encourage women’s consumption of unhealthy commodities, such as tobacco and alcohol.
- In the 1980s, companies co-opted messaging about female autonomy to encourage women’s consumption of unhealthy commodities, such as tobacco and alcohol.
- Today, feminist narratives around empowerment and women’s rights are being co-opted to market interventions that are not backed by evidence across many areas of women’s health.
- Some of these health technologies, tests and treatments are useful in certain situations and can be very beneficial to some women.
The AMH test
- The AMH test is a blood test associated with the number of eggs in a woman’s ovaries and is sometimes referred to as the “egg timer” test.
- Although often used in fertility treatment, the AMH test cannot reliably predict the likelihood of pregnancy, timing to pregnancy or specific age of menopause.
- Despite this, several fertility clinics and online companies market the AMH test to women not even trying to get pregnant.
- Some use feminist rhetoric promising empowerment, selling the test as a way to gain personalised insights into your fertility.
- 'Egg timer' tests can't reliably predict your chance of conceiving or menopause timing
Our recent study found around 30% of women having an AMH test in Australia may be having it for these reasons.
Breast density notification
Breast density is one of several independent risk factors for breast cancer. It’s also harder to see cancer on a mammogram image of breasts with high amounts of dense tissue than breasts with a greater proportion of fatty tissue. While estimates vary, approximately 25–50% of women in the breast screening population have dense breasts.
- Stemming from valid concerns about the increased risk of cancer, advocacy efforts have used feminist language around women’s right to know such as “women need to know the truth” and “women can handle the truth” to argue for widespread breast density notification.
- Yet, there is no or little mention of the lack of robust evidence showing that it prevents breast cancer deaths.
- While stronger patient autonomy is vital, campaigning for breast density notification without stating the limitations or unclear evidence of benefit may go against the empowerment being sought.
Ensuring feminism isn’t hijacked
- But we need to ensure the goals of feminist health advocacy aren’t undermined through commercially driven use of feminist language pushing care that isn’t based on evidence.
- Health professionals and governments must also ensure that easily understood, balanced information based on high quality scientific evidence is available.
Brooke Nickel receives fellowship funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). She is on the Scientific Committee of the Preventing Overdiagnosis Conference. Tessa Copp receives fellowship funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). She is also on the Scientific Committee of the Preventing Overdiagnosis Conference.