It’s true. Here are the facts. During mammography, a specially-qualified radiologic technologist will position your breast in the mammography unit. Your breast will be placed on a special platform (often made of clear Plexiglas or other plastic). You will feel pressure on your breast as it is squeezed between the compression paddles. However, this exercise is neither a test of your internal mettle nor an effort to gain government secrets.

Some women with sensitive breasts may experience discomfort. Should you experience any pain, be sure to inform the technologist as compression is increased. If discomfort is significant, less compression will be used.

Why do we need to compress your breast?

It’s critical to keep the breast still to minimize blurring of the image caused by motion, even out the breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be visualized and spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities may be seen.

Really, it’s about getting the most accurate view of your breast, which in turn, is about keeping you healthy and happy.