Women at average risk for breast cancer should start getting mammograms at age 40, according to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. However, not everyone schedules breast imaging at 40—or at all.
One reason? Concerns about whether mammograms hurt. If you’ve experienced pain and discomfort during a mammogram, you may be reluctant to get another one. Simply being anxious about experiencing pain can deter you from screening.
Contemporary mammogram technology and growing expertise have made the process far quicker and more pleasant. Mammograms may hurt a lot less than you think. Let’s look at what the modern mammogram experience is like and what you can expect to feel.
What a Mammogram Feels Like
During a mammogram, X-rays generate high-quality images of your breast tissue. To obtain these images, a technologist places your breast on a plate on a mammogram machine. Another plate compresses your breast so a clear image can be taken.
The compression can feel like mild pressure for some women. For others, it can feel uncomfortable or painful. The compression lasts only a few seconds, but it is an essential part of the process. Compression flattens breast tissue and reduces breast thickness, which helps the technologist take higher-quality images.
Once, mammogram machines had hard-edged plates that could feel quite unpleasant. Today, though, some mammogram machines feature curved, more natural-feeling plates. With others, you control the pressure with your technologist’s guidance. Some machines even have cushions. These new developments make your regular mammogram a more comfortable experience.
How Long Does a Mammogram Take?
Screening mammograms don’t last long. You may spend about 20 minutes with your technologist while images are taken, but only a few seconds of that time involve breast compression. Let’s look at what happens during a mammogram.
- You’ll be asked to remove any clothing above the waist. We will provide a comfortable wrap for you.
- You’ll stand in front of an X-ray machine designed specifically for mammograms while your technologist positions your breast for each image. Most women will have two images taken. Women with breast implants or larger breast size may need additional images.
- Your technologist may ask you to hold your breath while each image is taken.
Mammogram How-Tos
Your mammogram is all about your health. As such, you have a lot of power over your mammogram experience. From scheduling your mammogram to small steps the day of your appointment, there’s a lot you can do to get ahead of anxiety and reduce potential discomfort.
1. Schedule Around Your Cycle
During your period and the week leading up to your period, your breasts may feel swollen or tender. Schedule your mammogram appointment for after your period ends.
2. Plan for a Positive Experience
Taking a few simple steps before your appointment can make the experience more comfortable and less painful.
- Avoid caffeine, which can increase sensitivity—and jitters.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen.
- Use techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to create calm.
- Wear clothing that’s easy to remove to the waist so you don’t have to strip completely. Pants or a skirt and blouse may be easier than a dress or jumpsuit.
3. Communicate With Your Technologist
At Capital Health, our dedicated breast technologists understand that some women feel anxious about mammograms. We want to make your experience easier. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions throughout your appointment. If anything feels uncomfortable, let us know. Tell us if you need a quick time-out between images.
Other Anxieties
Other worries besides pain and discomfort can prevent women from getting the screening mammograms they need. Some women fear a cancer diagnosis. Others may be uncertain about their breast cancer risk and whether they need additional screenings.
Whatever your big-picture worries, Capital Health providers are here to help you find peace of mind about your breast health.
If you have concerns about factors that affect your mammogram schedule and screening type, such as dense breasts or a family history of breast cancer, discuss them with your medical provider. Your doctor may recommend more frequent mammograms or a different type of mammography technology.
The Bottom Line
Mammography is considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening. When you get regular mammograms, your doctors have a better chance of finding breast cancer when the disease is still in its earliest—and most treatable—stages.
Today’s mammograms feel far less unpleasant than you may have imagined, especially at Capital Health, where we provide technology and expertise to maximize your comfort. Even if you do feel temporary discomfort, remember that a mammogram only takes a few minutes. Your breast health should last you a lifetime.
We offer comprehensive screening and diagnostic mammogram services at locations in Mercer, Bucks and Burlington counties. Don’t let anxiety get in the way of your breast health. Request an appointment today.