The implications for mammography are profound, Murray emphasizes. Devine concurs: “It can only get better from here.”

Comfort and accessibility take center stage
Despite technological progress, many women still avoid mammograms, often citing discomfort as a primary reason. “Pain is one of the top five reasons women skip mammograms,” says Murray. Fujifilm’s ASPIRE Cristalle system addresses this issue by using patented paddles that flex in four directions, reducing compression by 30% without sacrificing image quality.
“Compression may never be completely comfortable, but our paddles eliminate the neck-pulling sensation that contributes to discomfort,” she adds. The system also includes customizable gantry wraps and mood lighting; features that can significantly ease anxiety for mammography patients.

Devine puts it bluntly: “If innovation can’t keep up with patient comfort, then we’re using innovation the wrong way.” Siemens Healthineers, she notes, integrates its proprietary OP Comp technology into its mammography systems, adjusting compression pressure to better suit each patient’s needs. The company’s rounded paddles, which distribute pressure more evenly across the breast tissue, and personalized mood lighting further enhance patient comfort.

When patients are comfortable, they’re more likely to return for their next screening — or even come in for their first one,” Devine says.

A Harris Poll survey commissioned by Hologic found that nearly half of U.S. women recommended for mammograms reported skipping or delaying the procedure, often due to fear of pain. To combat this, Hologic launched its #BustTheMyth campaign to dispel misconceptions and raise awareness about breast health.

“We’ve sought to develop products that make the exam process as comfortable as possible,” says Horvath. He points to Hologic’s 3Dimensions system with the SmartCurve paddle, which aligns with the breast’s natural contour and reduces discomfort by compressing for less than four seconds. The Envision Mammography Platform also includes Tilt positioning, pivoting ±10º to improve tissue capture and comfort for patients who use a wheelchair.

Horvath calls this a major innovation, noting that mammography compliance rates are 47% lower among women who use wheelchairs. “A comfortable exam shouldn’t be limited by mobility,” he adds.

More Magazine Features

Women's Health Homepage