Best Painless Mammogram on Long Island

Squeezing. Mashing. Hard plastic paddles. If you’ve never had a mammogram, these terms may scare you away from getting a test you need. If you’ve had a painful mammogram in the past, you may be afraid to give it another try. If you fall into one of these groups, rest assured that a painless mammogram is possible. Find out why mammograms are important and what steps you can take to make your next screening as comfortable as possible.

What is a mammogram and why is it important to get one?

A mammogram is a test that uses low doses of x-rays to capture images of breast tissue, detecting abnormalities that may be breast cancer. 3D mammography, used at PURE, is an advancement of older technology that allows radiologists to examine breast tissue one layer at a time. 3D technology translates into better images, better cancer detection rates, and reduces false positive results by up to 40 percent.

Most physicians and national cancer organizations recommend women over 40 get a mammogram each year to aid in the early detection of breast cancer. With early detection, breast cancer treatments are less invasive and lead to more positive treatment outcomes. Consider these facts:

• 40,000 women died from breast cancer in the U.S. in 2016.
• 245,000 U.S. women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.
• Mammograms are credited with reducing the mortality rate from breast cancer by 30 percent since their use became widespread in the 1990s.
• 75 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

Mammograms are a powerful tool for detecting breast cancer early. If you’ve been avoiding them, realize that a painless mammogram is possible with preventive steps and working with your technician to make sure the test is as stress-free as possible.

Tips on How to Have a Painless Mammogram:

Although the majority of women experience no discomfort at all during a mammogram, some will feel discomfort. During a mammogram, the breasts are compressed between two plastic paddles to expose as much tissue as possible for successful imaging. This compression is the main reason women experience pain. Try the following steps to help you achieve a painless mammogram:

• Take a dose of ibuprofen an hour before your exam.
• Schedule your mammogram at least a week after your last menstrual cycle (breasts can be tender before and during your cycle).
• Tell your technician immediately if you feel pain. The technician may be able to reduce discomfort by repositioning your breasts.

What sets PURE apart from other mammography facilities?

At PURE, your comfort is our top priority. Not only do we use state-of-the art 3D imaging machines for the most accurate screenings, we put you at ease the minute you walk into our world-class facility. You’ll luxuriate in a warm robe and enjoy snacks and drinks in the waiting room before your exam. When you enter the exam room, you’ll be transported into a relaxing oasis of a beach, rainforest, or garden setting courtesy of our digital screens and surround sound system. Our technicians are highly trained to conduct your screening as quickly and thoroughly as possible. With a convenient location inside a shopping mall in Lake Grove, you can stop in for your screening after shopping with no appointment necessary.

Choose PURE Mammography for your next painless mammogram.

Never be afraid to get a mammogram again. At PURE, we’ll do everything in our power to provide you with an accurate, painless screening. Give us a call today at 631-652-3424 to find out more about our facility or contact us for an appointment.