Do most of the women who develop breast cancer have a family history of the disease?
No. Having a family history of breast cancer (a mother, sister or daughter who has had breast cancer) is a risk factor, but only 11 per cent of women who get breast cancer have a strong family history of the disease. We know mammography works and is the most effective tool for detecting breast cancer early in most women, but in order to save more lives from this disease, more women need to get screened. Is there anything women can do to make their mammograms more comfortable? When you have a mammogram you will feel some pressure on your breast. It feels similar to a tight blood pressure cuff. A few women experience some pain but it lasts only a few seconds. If a woman feels pain during the screening, she should tell the technologist. The technologist may be able to adjust the pressure. The two of you can work together so you are as comfortable as possible. Women may also want to consider that many women’s breasts are tender the week before and after their period, so booking your mammog
