Helping patients overcome their fear of mammography.

Research shows that between 50% and 60% of U.S. women do not follow established guidelines on mammography. This article examines some of the reasons women cite for not undergoing the examination. These reasons include cost, absence of breast cancer symptoms and lack of family history of breast cancer. Women also express fear of breast compression, radiation and an unfavorable diagnosis. These fears are a challenge to the professional mammographer, because imaging an uncooperative or apprehensive patient may result in suboptimal films or repeats. This article suggests ways mammographers can help alleviate patient fears and establish a rapport that will make the examination a more pleasant and informative experience.