WEM_Qual v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring Women’s Experiences of Mammography: a qualitative study
IRAS ID
115856
Contact name
Patsy Whelehan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Research summary
This project aims to develop a deep understanding of what having a mammogram (X-ray of the breast) is like for women. We are particularly interested in mammograms that are done to screen well-women for breast cancer, as it has been shown that some women do not return for future screens because they have found the experience so unpleasant. Although much has been written about mammograms being painful, we think it is not as simple as pain alone, and we will try to find out what other things women find unpleasant about the examination. We will also look for women’s thoughts on what makes the experience less unpleasant – some women, of course, do not mind it at all. We are particularly interested in how the mammography staff make the mammogram better or worse for women, as we wish eventually to find ways of making mammography less unpleasant overall, including less painful.
The way we will explore the mammography experience is by interviewing a group of women who have had mammograms, and a group of mammography staff. We will put all this information together and examine it in detail to find out what the key factors needing improvement may be. This will help with further work towards actually making changes for the better.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1551
Date of REC Opinion
8 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion