"Mammogram side effects"

Dear Patient,

Thank you for your feedback. I am sorry to read of your concerns. We are continuously working to improve the care and experience our patients receive. Your feedback regarding your discomfort during your procedure will be fed back to our radiology department for future learning.

A mammogram is an X-ray examination to show the breast tissue. It is carried out using one of our digital mammography units using a low dose of ionising radiation. Mammograms remain one of the most efficient methods of detecting early breast cancer and NICE Guidelines state that those who are over 40 who need urgent diagnostic tests, should have a bilateral mammogram followed by an ultrasound where indicated.

Unfortunately, whilst the compression can be uncomfortable for patients, it is vital to the image quality required, increasing the contrast, immobilising the patient effectively to prevent movement and sharpness and reducing the glandular dose.

All patients attending the department for a mammogram and/or breast ultrasound should have received a copy of the ‘Having a Mammogram’ or ‘Breast Ultrasound’ information leaflet with their appointment letter. We sincerely apologise if this did not occur. We thank you for sharing your feedback. Should you wish to discuss your experience in further detail please contact our Patient Advice Liaison service on email Rsc-tr.pals@nhs.net or contact number 01483402757.

Thank you.

With kind regards from Elaine Kavanagh, Matron for Accreditation and Patient Experience