Standardised mammography positioning and compression protocol
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The development of a standardised mammographic positioning and compression protocol for use within UK breast screening and symptomatic services
IRAS ID
274519
Contact name
Claire Mercer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Univeristy of Salford
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 0 days
Research summary
Mammography. the main diagnostic tool for the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer is associated with pain and discomfort. This pain/comfort does deter some women from reattending breast cancer screening. Screening has been reported to reduce breast cancer mortality by 20 percent. This is due to the fact that most cancers detected at screening are at an early stage and are most treatable. The aim of this research is to develop an evidence-based protocol for practitioners to assist with mammographic positioning and compression that will help reduce pain and discomfort associated with mammography. Selection of the correct angle of the image receptor (plate) during the mediolateral oblique projection (side mammography position) is an important step in achieving maximum breast coverage (area) and an even distribution of pressure applied to the breast. Theoretically, when the angle of the plate is parallel to the sternum of the client, pressure is evenly distributed throughout the breast resulting in the reduction of pain/discomfort.
This is an experimental study to be conducted in a clinical setting. Asymptomatic female volunteers will be recruited to take part in the study. Digital inclinometer will be used to measure the angle of sternum for each volunteer and Xsensor pressure mapping system will read and record pressure distribution on the breast upon compression. There will be no exposure to radiation
Each participant will undergo 4 mammographic compressions, two on each. Each breast will be compressed at a standard angle of 45 degrees. Then the second sets of compressions will be at the angle of the sternum measured with inclinometer. These two sets of compressions will be analysed to check which of the angles provided the maximum breast surface and area and an even distribution of pressure. The study is expected to last for 6 months. Questionnaires will be given to participants to rate their pain on each of the compressions.REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0307
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion