How to Get Over Your Fear of Mammograms

Mammograms are the single most important tool for finding breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage, says Sydney-based breast surgeon Dr Sanjay Warrier.

In fact, since BreastScreen Australia began offering free screening mammograms to Australian women in 1991, breast cancer mortality has almost halved. The program offers free mammograms every two years to women aged 40 and over who don’t have any breast symptoms, and women aged 50–74 (the age group in which more than 75% of breast cancers occur) receive an invitation from BreastScreen every two years to attend for a mammogram.

Still, there are a number of reasons why many women avoid mammograms, even when they should get one. For many, it comes down to fear – the fear of getting bad news, of course, but even more so the fear of pain.

No one would argue that getting a mammogram is like a day at the beach. But, if you haven’t had one in a few years, the experts want you to know that the technology has improved: 3D scans using digital breast tomosynthesis take better images, meaning fewer callback scans, and require less intense compression, says radiologist Dr Melinda Staiger.

Australia opened its first sensory BreastScreen suite in 2016, aimed at reducing the stress of undergoing a mammogram, says Dr Warrier. “It allows women to choose relaxing scenes on big screens, and experience associated sounds and smells, reducing anxiety and providing a welcome distraction.”

To allay any worries or concerns beforehand, follow our checklist, above, which will help you prep both your mind and body for your examination.

How to make a mammogram less stressful

A few months before

Unless your doctor refers you to a specific facility for diagnostic reasons, ask friends which centre they found particularly gentle and reassuring.

There are more than 750 BreastScreen locations in Australia, including permanent screening clinics, assessment clinics and mobile units. You can attend any clinic that’s handy for you. Make an appointment by calling 13 20 50, or if you're in NSW, visit breastscreen.nsw.gov.au. Read the list of state-specific services.

A month before

Take a few yoga classes. Bringing that experience into the mammography room can really help, says breast surgical oncologist Dr Monique Gary. “Practices like yoga teach you to breathe through uncomfortable positions, and if you can relax the rest of your body while you’re being scanned, it’s going to make it much more comfortable,” she says.

A week before

Cut back on caffeine, which can make breasts more sensitive, and schedule a light massage for the morning of your scan.

In one recent study, women who received a hand or shoulder and neck massage from a massage therapist before their mammogram reported decreased anxiety.

An hour before

Dr Warrier suggests wearing comfortable clothing on the day to help you feel as relaxed as possible. Take two paracetamol or use a pain relief gel to take the edge off, suggests Dr Staiger. And in the waiting area, keep your mind busy so you don’t overthink things.

Bonus tip: Team up with a friend and schedule your mammograms at the same place on the same day, recommends Dr Staiger. After you’re both done, go out for lunch, a pedicure, or a movie so you have something to look forward to together.