By Dr R. Iordache
The benefits of screening mammography have been confirmed in hundreds of studies [1-3]. However, at least a third of women over 40 do not consistently undergo recommended screenings [4]. There are numerous reasons for this, but one of the most common is fear and anxiety related to the pain of compression [5-10]. Indeed, a review of a total of 7 studies involving 5,741 women found that up to 46% avoided exams because of a previous painful experience [11]. Another study found that nearly a fourth of 109 women attending a screening clinic took pain or anti-anxiety medication before the exam [12].