Usually small breasts = less density. Do not sure why some PPs talk about it in this thread.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a good question. They had a smaller part on the machine that was more curved and much more comfortable for me as I have small breasts. However not all facilities have this and you should ask about it. They should definitely work towards making mammograms less awkward so those of us with smaller breasts are not as apprehensive and skeptical about them. As someone once said, men probably wouldn’t submit to having their private parts compressed like this so I don’t know why someone doesn’t invent a better way to screen women. Also see discussion about ultrasound for dense breasts as it contained some info that I don’t think is widely known.

Where did you schedule Pl share.

I’m in the Midwest so this was at a large hospital. It may have been luck that day because the technician was nice and understanding when I discussed my concerns. She told me that not all locations would have this part. The other place I had been to, I know the technician was trying their best but I just felt manhandled and it was painful. I think we just need to self advocate so medical establishments work towards upgrading equipment and have people on staff who are trained properly. I think it’s worth calling and discussing in advance your concerns. Also depending on the density of your breasts. (I would guess density and size may go together), you may want to ask about other screening options. I don’t know if 3D mammography is standard of care, but it should be in the case of dense breasts.

Anonymous wrote:This is a good question. They had a smaller part on the machine that was more curved and much more comfortable for me as I have small breasts. However not all facilities have this and you should ask about it. They should definitely work towards making mammograms less awkward so those of us with smaller breasts are not as apprehensive and skeptical about them. As someone once said, men probably wouldn’t submit to having their private parts compressed like this so I don’t know why someone doesn’t invent a better way to screen women. Also see discussion about ultrasound for dense breasts as it contained some info that I don’t think is widely known.

Where did you schedule Pl share.

For me, it's uncomfortable verging on painful, but bearable because it is over really quickly, and I don't have any lingering pain.

But in the grand scheme of things, I'm far more afraid of the pain of surgery followed by radiation and/or chemo, so I suck it up. It's only once a year.

For bitewing X-rays, I have a small mouth, so I get them to use the child-size rather than the adult-size doohickeys.

To put in context, I would do it over bitewing dental xrays any day.

Why are we telling people it doesn’t hurt? Because for many people it truly doesn’t hurt! It completely depends but mine is ACTUALLY pain free. Like I know they are doing something but it is not painful AT ALL. I have very small breasts and some issues that make it necessary to go every 6 months. My last one I had to wait and they did additional images (so another mammogram essentially and then ultrasounds) and it didn’t hurt. Yes, it could hurt but you won’t know which side you fall on until you go. It’s SO important that I think it’s also good to know (if you’re anxious) that you may be someone who isn’t bothered by it. Good luck, OP, and plan to do something nice for yourself. That helps me after my annual OBGYN exam—which DOES bother me—but I look forward to my day off after getting it done!

Anonymous wrote:This is a good question. They had a smaller part on the machine that was more curved and much more comfortable for me as I have small breasts. However not all facilities have this and you should ask about it. They should definitely work towards making mammograms less awkward so those of us with smaller breasts are not as apprehensive and skeptical about them. As someone once said, men probably wouldn’t submit to having their private parts compressed like this so I don’t know why someone doesn’t invent a better way to screen women. Also see discussion about ultrasound for dense breasts as it contained some info that I don’t think is widely known.

I know several men who have had mammograms. None have complained. It is not very painful. A bit uncomfortable.

I hate it. But it is quick. And it's better than not doing it. But I swear if men had to endure it, it would not hurt as much.

Where are you people going that it doesn’t hurt?! I find the stretching and pulling so uncomfortable that I avoid going!

Well I was anxious because they were giving me a diagnostic one at age 33 for a lump I needed biopsied. The actual mammogram itself wasn’t painful or scary at all. They just squish you.

What are you anxious about OP? If it's going to hurt, it's going to hurt. Take Ibuprofen before you go and try to distract yourself with other thoughts.

Anonymous wrote:This is a good question. They had a smaller part on the machine that was more curved and much more comfortable for me as I have small breasts. However not all facilities have this and you should ask about it. They should definitely work towards making mammograms less awkward so those of us with smaller breasts are not as apprehensive and skeptical about them. As someone once said, men probably wouldn’t submit to having their private parts compressed like this so I don’t know why someone doesn’t invent a better way to screen women. Also see discussion about ultrasound for dense breasts as it contained some info that I don’t think is widely known.

Well, they get a finger up the butt for prostate exams, so I don't think they get off scot-free either. It's not a gender thing, it's a technology thing.

Get a mammogram. I'm large breasted and they can be uncomfortable or hurt, depending on the technician. But I credit them with saving my life, since I did have breast cancer, so I'll take 5 minutes of discomfort for that.

I have had so many mammograms because of DCIS at 45. 50 now and very small breasted. I don’t think any of them hurt. Occasionally uncomfortable, but it is over so quickly.

Anonymous wrote:OK I’ll be honest I really hate them. And I’m not a pain wimp, I have had 2 unmedicated childbirths etc. Fortunately it doesn’t take that long but it is painful and awkward and when you are very small they have to have you stand in all sorts of funny positions to make sure that they get the tissue that they need.

+1 I could’ve written this. My experience exactly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s uncomfortable, but not painful.

This. You will get used to it (I have had them for 20 years). It is so worth it.

I would rather get a mammogram than have my teeth cleaned. This can save your life.

Agreed, as another woman who is very small busted. It’s not pleasant, but not painful, either. And it’s so quick, in the grand scheme of things.

Good luck!