European Researchers Developing Less Painful Mammogram

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - For many women getting a mammogram is a stressful occasion because until the study is read and reported there is fear about what the results might say. But there is another concern as well…the fact that it can be an uncomfortable test.

European researchers are reporting that it is possible to perform mammography using pressure exerted throughout breast tissue instead of by direct force applied to the breast – it means the compression is spread all over the breast, and they can use only a third of the "push" to hold the breast still and get the image.

The so-called less painful mammogram machine is being tested in Europe and there is another interesting addition - a display device that enables technicians to display pressure instead of force can be easily added to an existing mammography machine.