Having a mammogram at Clearfield Hospital is now a little easier thanks to a new product called MammoPad, which dramatically eases the discomfort many women feel during a mammogram.

Mammography personnel are seated, from left, Betsy Linsenbigler and Tonda Beard, certified mammographers and certified radiologic technologists. Standing, from left, are Angela Weed and Jennifer Wenturine, certified mammographers and certified radiologic technologists, and Holly Bryan, certified radiologic technologist.

For more information, please call Clearfield Hospital’s Imaging Department at 814.768.2033.

Having a mammogram at Clearfield Hospital is now a little easier thanks to a new product called MammoPad, which dramatically eases the discomfort many women feel during a mammogram.

According to Darlene Rowles, imaging supervisor, the FDA-cleared foam cushion creates a softer, warmer mammogram. Clearfield Hospital is a certified Softer Mammogram Provider, a distinction awarded only to an elite group of healthcare facilities.

“The discomfort many women feel during mammography compression is widely known to be a reason that some don't get regular screenings. In addition to compression, the cold surfaces and hard edges of the mammography device make the experience uncomfortable for some patients,” Mrs. Rowles said.

A Solution to Mammogram Discomfort

She said the breast cushion answers these complaints by providing a soft warm cushion for the breast during mammography. And because women are more relaxed during the exam, it makes it even easier for mammography technologists to get the best possible image.

The single-use, adhesive-backed foam cushion attaches to the compression plates of the mammography device. The recyclable breast cushion is “invisible” to X-rays and does not interfere with the image quality of the mammogram.

“We try to create the best possible experience for our patients. We’re pleased to be able to offer them this important enhancement,” Mrs. Rowles said.

Importance of Mammograms

The American Cancer Society reports women can greatly reduce their risk of death from breast cancer if they receive regular mammograms. For this reason, both the society and the American College of Radiology recommend that women 40 and older receive mammograms yearly.

Yet despite the urgency of this message, nearly 40 percent of American women don't get regular recommended mammograms. Studies have shown mammography pain is a major reason some women do not return for annual screening.

The new foam cushion could help reverse this trend. MammoPad has been clinically studied in both the U.S. and Sweden, where evaluations in more than 1,300 patients found approximately 70 percent experienced a significant reduction in pain when the cushion was used, Mrs. Rowles said.

Clearfield Hospital purchased the MammoPads using grant funds awarded by the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation

“Early detection of breast cancer can make the crucial difference between life and death. Mammograms identify lumps that a woman’s self-exam wouldn’t find until an average of 1.7 years later. That is why regular mammograms are the only scientifically proven way to reduce breast cancer mortality. This breast cushion removes a major barrier to women receiving this important procedure,” Mrs. Rowles said.

For more information, please call Clearfield Hospital’s Imaging Department at 814.768.2033.