Divine Savior Healthcare now provides a new product that dramatically eases the discomfort many women feel when they get a mammogram.

The FDA-cleared foam cushion, called MammoPad®, creates a softer, warmer mammogram. 

Divine Savior Healthcare is a certified Softer Mammogram Provider®, a distinction awarded only to an elite group of health care facilities. Divine Savior hopes to increase the number of area women who follow recommendations for regular screenings.

"The discomfort many women feel during mammography compression is widely known to be a reason that some don't get regular screenings," said Kevin Rak, M.D., board certified radiologist at Divine Savior Healthcare. In addition to compression, the cold surfaces and hard edges of the mammography device make the experience uncomfortable for some patients.

"The breast cushion answers these complaints by providing a soft, warm cushion for the breast during mammography," said Dr. Rak. "And because women are more relaxed during the exam, it makes it even easier for our mammography technologists to get the best possible image."

The single-use, adhesive-backed foam cushion attaches to the compression plates of the mammography device. It was developed by Stanford University breast surgeon Gale Lebovic, M.D., who understood mammography discomfort from both a physician and patient's point of view. 

The recyclable breast cushion is "invisible" to X-rays and does not interfere with the image quality of the mammogram.

"We try to create the best possible experience for our patients," said Eric Justus, Director of Medical Imaging at Divine Savior. "We're pleased to be able to offer this important enhancement."

While the new MammoPad cushions enhance comfort, patients can be confident in Divine Savior's medical imaging technology. Divine Savior Healthcare was the first hospital in the area to use the R2 ImageChecker for mammograms. This computer-aided device acts as the radiologists' "second set of eyes" by analyzing patterns in the mammogram and marking areas that appear suspicious.

The American Cancer Society reports women can greatly reduce their risk of death from breast cancer if they receive regular mammographic screens. For this reason, both the society and the American College of Radiology recommend that women 40 and older receive mammograms yearly. 

Yet despite the urgency of this message, nearly 40 percent of American women don't get regular recommended mammograms. Studies have shown mammography pain is a major reason some women do not return for annual screening.

"Early detection of breast cancer can make the crucial difference between life and death," said Dr. Rak. "Mammograms identify lumps that a woman's self-exam wouldn't find until an average of 1.7 years later. That is why regular mammograms are the only scientifically proven way to reduce breast cancer mortality. This breast cushion removes a major barrier to women receiving this important procedure."

For more information, call Divine Savior Healthcare's Mammography Department at (608) 745-6295.