Steps to Ease Mammograms Discomfort

Recently there has been a great deal of controversy over the benefits of mammograms. The question has been: Do they really save lives? A study in The Lancet announced mammograms are responsible for a 21-percent decrease in breast cancer deaths. Still, many women avoid mammograms because of the pain. There are steps you can take, however, to ease the discomfort.

It pinches. It pulls. It squeezes.

It's true -- mammograms can be a real pain, but the test that lasts a few seconds can reveal potentially deadly cancers when they're tiny, and easier to treat. Now a growing number of imaging centers are using a special foam pad to take some of the pinch out of the process.

"What we want to do is try to take away one more barrier to getting a mammogram, because pain is one of the reasons that women don't come back for a mammogram," diagnostic radiologist stated.

It's called The Woman's Touch MammoPad breast cushion, a specially-designed foam cushion that's invisible on X-rays. The cushion is just one way to get a more comfortable test. When scheduling your appointment, remember timing is everything.

You should try to schedule your mammogram for the week after your period.

Some doctors believe taking vitamin E daily starting two weeks before a mammogram can ease breast discomfort. To reduce breast fullness, limit the amount of salt and caffeine in your diet a week before your mammogram. Finally, an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen can be taken an hour before the exam.

The bottom line -- a few seconds of discomfort is a small price to pay for the chance to find cancer early.

The American Cancer Society recommends women ages 40 and older have a mammogram every year. If you're concerned about discomfort during the mammogram, talk to your doctor about what pain control method is best for you.