• Try to avoid scheduling the procedure when your breasts are most tender, generally just before or during your period.
• Some women find taking a pain reliever like Advil helps.
• Caffeine can make breasts more sensitive. Keep away from coffee, tea and caffeinated soda for a day or two before the mammogram.
• Try using stress-reducing techniques. If you've been through natural childbirth, you know what we mean. Focusing on a pleasant thought (like lying on the beach) can distract you during the most intense pain.
• Remember that the actual discomfort is brief—only a few minutes overall. It's a small price to pay for finding cancer early.

It would be great if researchers came up with a machine that didn't hurt so much, but in the meantime some health-care facilities are looking into ways to make the mammography experience a little more pleasant. At the center Barbara went to in New York, women change in dressing rooms that are fitted out like a chic boutique, which made her feel less like a patient. The waiting room offered the latest issue of Vogue and other appropriately distracting magazines. Even better, the appointments were efficiently scheduled so she didn't have a lot of time to sit around and get nervous. The technician was professional but also cordial and sympathetic. All in all, it was about as good as these things get.

When selecting a facility, try to find one that does many mammograms a day. That way you're more likely to get experienced technicians. If you like the place, stick with it. Using the same facility—and, if possible, the same machine and technician—increases accuracy. On the day of the exam, don't use deodorant or antiperspirant, because these can be read on the film as white spots. Wear pants or a skirt so you only have to remove your top.

If you need help remembering to make an appointment, consider signing up for this e-mail reminder from the American Cancer Society. The ACS also has lots of useful information at its Web site. Click on the breast cancer link.

When it comes to mammograms, we feel your pain. But we also want to encourage as many women as possible to get this potentially life-saving screening. You can handle it. Make the call now.

© 2007