Do Mammograms Hurt?

The most uncomfortable part of a mammogram occurs when the breast is compressed between two plates on the machine. Creating this force, which flattens and separates the breast tissue, allows the X-rays from the mammography machine to produce higher-quality images of the breast, and helps reveal small abnormalities that may otherwise go unnoticed if the breast tissue was layered on top of it.

This process can be more painful for some people than others, but for reasons that aren’t always clear. That’s partly because pain can be subjective — what one person perceives as painful, another may perceive as slightly uncomfortable — and some people have a higher pain tolerance than others.

“Every woman is different,” says Evita Singh, MD, a diagnostic radiologist and member of the Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Michigan. “Some are more sensitive to mammograms than others.”

It’s worth pointing out, though, that mammograms tend to be less painful today than they were in the past, in part because the technology has improved in recent years. “The image is taken a lot faster, so compression times are shorter,” says Dr. Singh. “Some units even have special paddles that curve with the breast to minimize discomfort.”

Here’s what you can expect during the exam, and ways to minimize the discomfort.

What to Expect During a Mammogram

Mammograms can be done using a solid-state detector, which transmits electronic signals to a computer to form a digital image, or a photographic film plate, which captures the X-ray image on film. Regardless of the type of detector that’s used, the procedure is the same:

• After you check in at the imaging center and complete a health history form, you’ll be asked to change into a gown or robe. You shouldn’t be wearing deodorant, lotions, or perfumes, but if you accidentally have them on, ask the technician for a wipe to clean them off.

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• Next, you’ll be escorted into the mammogram suite and given a walk-through of the procedure.
• A technologist will position one of your breasts on a flat plate on the machine, where it will be compressed with another plate called a paddle. From there, X-rays will capture an image of the breast tissue. The breast compression typically takes less than one minute.
• For a standard 2D mammogram, the breast will be repositioned, and another image will be taken at that angle. This will be repeated for the other breast. If you’re getting a 3D mammogram, the machine typically takes more images as it moves in a small arc around the breast.

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If the technologist doesn’t get a clear image, they may need to repeat the process again while you’re still in the room.

If there are no abnormalities in your breast tissue, you probably won’t need any further testing for about a year. If the test does reveal an abnormality, your provider will likely recommend additional tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy.

Ways to Ease the Pain During a Mammogram

Usually, the discomfort or soreness from the mammography only lasts during the compression stage of the test, but for some women, it can last for a few minutes to hours. There are some things you can do to minimize the ache. Singh and Nilda Agnes Abellera, MD, medical director at Infuze MD, an integrative cancer center in Northern California, suggest the following tips:

• Try meditation. It’s normal to be nervous before getting a mammogram, but research suggests that people who have higher anxiety levels before the procedure also tend to experience more pain.

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• Apply ice to the chest, which can help numb the area and lessen the pain.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, about 30 minutes before your appointment.
• Schedule the mammogram for about a week after the end of your menstrual cycle, when your breasts are no longer as sensitive.

The Importance of Mammograms in Detecting Breast Cancer — Despite the Pain

“Pain is definitely one of the main reasons women are hesitant to get a mammogram,” says Dr. Abellera. And yet, there’s no overstating the importance of these potentially lifesaving tests.

The Takeaway

It’s true that a mammogram can be painful for some people, but many others may only experience some mild discomfort. Using pain-relief strategies such as meditating or taking over-the-counter medication can ease some of the soreness.