How to Have a Pain Free Mammogram

The American Cancer Society recommends an annual mammogram for all women over 40. But over two thirds of women do not follow these guidelines because of the pain experienced during mammography. Here are some tips to minimize discomfort.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Schedule your appointment and request an experienced technician. Also if you have a preference for a male or female technician say so. Some facilities will only have female technicians.

2. 
    

   Research has shown that mammograms taken during the last two weeks of a menstrual cycle, are twice as likely to have false-negative results. Schedule your appointment for two weeks after your period starts so you are more likely to get accurate results and not have to repeat the procedure.

3. 
    
   Machine with Mammopad

   Try to schedule your appointment at a center that offers the Mammopad. The Mammopad is soft foam disposable cushion. It reduces discomfort by cushioning the breast and warming the plate surface.

4. Applying a topical analgesic such as lidocaine gel for about 45 minutes and wiping it off 30-60 minutes prior to the test has been shown to be effective in pain reduction. Ask your doctor if he/she feels this is a good option for you.

5. 
    

   Take a pain relieving medication about one hour prior to the procedure.

6. On the day of the appointment wear comfortable slacks or jogging pants. You will be able to keep those on during the procedure. You will remove your top and bra and put a hospital gown on. Arrive early, so you do not feel rushed, and bring your doctor's orders and insurance information. Do not wear any perfumes, powders or jewelry.

7. 
    
   Mammography Machine

   Explain that your breasts are sensitive and ask the technician to handle them gently. The technician will position your breast between the plates and close the plates. Two images will be taken of each breast. This takes just a few minutes.

8. When you are finished, you will be asked to wait while the technician looks over the xrays. You may be asked to take another x-ray. This is normal. She/he may not have gotten a clear picture, the right angle etc. In most facilities the radiologist will look over the xrays at a later time and compare them to your previous mammograms. In some facilites it will be done as you wait.

9. 
    

   You should recieve follow up news on your exam within one to two weeks. If you are asked to go in for a follow up x-ray, do not be alarmed. It is very common to have to go back to get additional film. The doctor may want to look at an area again or a film might not give the correct angle.

10. 
     

    Be sure to have a mammogram every year and do a self examination on your breasts frequently.

Tips & Warnings

• 70% of women report a 50% reduction in pain with the Mammopad. It is FDA approved and has no negative effect on image quality.
• It takes just a few minutes to position your breast and take each x-ray.
• New improved technigues for mammography are being developed.
• If you have had prior mammograms, make sure the facility you are using has a copy of these so they can compare your new xrays to the old ones.
• October is breast cancer awareness month. Be sure to schedule your mammography if you haven't already done so.
• Women with a family history of breast cancer may need more frequent mammograms. Check with your doctor.
• It is very common for a technician to have to retake a film during the initial screening and/or to get a call back for additional film after the doctor has looked over the xrays.

Resources

• Breast Self Examination