Comparison of Breast Compression Force and Patient Comfort in Mammography: A Pilot Study

Background: Breast compression is an essential component of mammography, as it improves image quality and reduces radiation dose. However, excessive compression may cause discomfort or pain, potentially affecting patient compliance with breast cancer screening programs.

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between breast compression force applied during mammography and patient-reported comfort levels.

Materials and Methods: A prospective pilot study was conducted among 55 women undergoing routine mammography. Compression force values were recorded directly from the mammography unit for standard craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views. Patient comfort was assessed immediately after the examination using a standardized visual analog scale (VAS). Descriptive and correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the association between compression force and patient comfort.

Results: The mean compression force applied was 11.2 ± 2.4 daN for CC views and 12.6 ± 2.7 daN for MLO views. Most participants reported mild to moderate discomfort. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between compression force and comfort scores (p < 0.05), indicating increased discomfort with higher compression levels. No examination was terminated due to intolerable pain.

Conclusion: Higher breast compression force was associated with reduced patient comfort during mammography. Optimizing compression techniques while maintaining diagnostic image quality may enhance patient experience and improve adherence to breast screening programs.