Level of satisfaction during mammography screening in relation to discomfort, service provided, level of pain and breast compression

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to identify the factors having the largest influence on the patients, experiences of mammography screening and if these factors can be generalised for different centres.

Material and methods

Three-hundred-and-ninety-three women attending mammography examination during two randomly selected days at four screening centres in the Southern Health Region of Norway were approached. A questionnaire designed to survey socio-demographic variables and their experience with mammography screening was distributed upon attendance. The answers to the questionnaire were related to the level of breast compression which was recorded for every patient. Statistical analyses were performed to assess women's satisfaction, discomfort and level of pain during mammography screening.

Results

Eighty-two percent (324/393) completed the questionnaire. Ninety-one percent were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the service at the mammography screening centres. Still, 80% reported high level of discomfort related to the examination. ‘Moderate’, ‘strong’ or ‘intense’ pain during breast compression was reported by 25% of the women. Mean breast compression ranged from 8.5 ± 1.2 kg to15.7 ± 2.2 kg. In all, 23% of women experienced strong and intense pain at a compression of more than 16 kg, while none of the women experienced strong or intense pain for compression less than 8 kg.

Conclusion

Our results concur with earlier studies showing high level of satisfaction among Norwegian women undergoing breast screening. The present study clearly demonstrates that the level of compression is vital to the patients' experience of pain, but do not seem to influence their level of satisfaction with the procedure.