Abstract:
A brassiere that can be worn during a mammogram is devoid of metal and has stretch cups. The brassiere permits a woman to remain at least partially clothed above the waist during a mammogram. In various embodiments, the brassiere includes one or more additional features, in any combination, including a compression band, wide shoulder straps, a bra band, and releasable breast cups. Some of the additional features are expected to reduce the pain experienced by some patients undergoing a mammography.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    moon The present invention relates to radiology in general and, more particularly, to a garment for a patient undergoing a mammogram. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Finding breast cancer early greatly improves a woman&#39;s chances for survival from the disease. Early detection also conserves health-care system resources. A high-quality mammogram and a clinical breast exam done by a doctor are the most effective approaches for early detection. 
         [0003]    A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breasts to look for abnormal changes. The results are recorded on film or directly into a computer for a radiologist to read for abnormalities. Breast cancer can be found through a screening mammogram or, in situations in which abnormalities have already been observed, a diagnostic mammogram. 
         [0004]    A mammogram is obtained using a mammography unit, such as mammography unit  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 . The unit includes stand  118 , as well as image-acquisition elements, such as an X-ray source, shown generally at  102 , collimator  104 , compression plate  106 , and cassette holder  110 . 
         [0005]    Collimator  104  restricts the size and shape of the X-ray beam generated by X-ray source  102 . Cassette holder  110  houses a removable cassette (not depicted) that includes an image receptor, such as film. The cassette is inserted into holder  110  before each image is taken by mammography unit  100  and is removed thereafter. The film is developed to produce a radiographic image of the breast. Cassette holder  110  has a flat, beam-facing surface or imaging area  112 , which is transparent to X-rays. Also in cassette holder  110  is an anti-scatter grid assembly. 
         [0006]    Compression plate  106 , which comprises a thin, X-ray transparent material, is used to compress the breast to a near uniform thickness against imaging area  112 . Adjustment system  108  enables compression plate  106  to be adjusted to provide the requisite amount of compression. 
         [0007]    The image-acquisition elements are rotatably coupled to stand  118  via pivot element  114  and coupler  116 . The coupler is movable along guide-ways  120  to collectively alter the height of the image-acquisition elements. Pivot element  114  permits the image-acquisition elements to partially collectively rotate in the direction shown with respect to stand  118 . This arrangement provides for two projective viewpoints. In particular, the orientation depicted in  FIG. 1  provides a head-to-foot or “craniocaudal” (CC) view. In the craniocaudal view, the breast is compressed horizontally and the X-ray is taken in the direction from head to toe. Partial rotation about pivot element  114  from the orientation shown in  FIG. 1  provides a mediolateral oblique (MLO) view, wherein the breast is compressed vertically and the X-ray is taken from the side of the breast. 
         [0008]      FIG. 2  depicts a simplified view of relevant portions of unit  100  during a mammography. A patient&#39;s breast  222  is positioned on the imaging area  112  ( FIG. 1 ) of cassette holder  110  by a radiologic technologist. To image the breast fully, as much of the breast as possible must be positioned between cassette holder  110  and plate  106 . Specifically, it is important to capture as much of the “tail” region  226  of the breast as possible between the holder and plate so that it can be radiographically imaged. To accomplish this, the patient is asked to lean forward, which brings the patient&#39;s chest wall  224  into tight contact with the rigid forward surfaces and edges of cassette holder  110  and plate  106 . Adjustment system  108  enables compression plate  106  to be moved (downward) against the breast, so that the breast is compressed between the compression plate and cassette holder  110 . 
         [0009]    Compression of the breast can be quite painful for the patient. Furthermore, contact of the chest wall (especially near the axilla) with the edges of compression plate as it is lowered can be an additional source of pain. But compression is essential because it: (1) provides a more uniform thickness of breast tissue, thereby increasing image quality by reducing the thickness of tissue that x-rays must penetrate, (2) spreads out the tissue so that small abnormalities are less likely to be obscured by overlying breast tissue, (3) decreases the amount of scattered radiation, wherein scatter degrades image quality, (4) reduces the required radiation dose since a thinner amount of tissue is being imaged, and (5) immobilizes the breast thereby preventing motion blur. 
         [0010]    With continuing reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , X-ray source  102  produces X-ray beam  220 . The X-ray beam is passed through collimator  104 , which restricts the size and shape of beam  220 . The X-ray beam passes through compression plate  106  and through breast  222 . A radiological image of the breast is captured on film that is in cassette holder  110 . 
         [0011]      FIG. 2  depicts a CC view being obtained from the mammography unit. As previously discussed, a MLO view will also be obtained, wherein the image-acquisition elements are rotated about pivot element  114 . If the mammography is diagnostic, rather than for screening, additional views may be taken as well. 
         [0012]    Notwithstanding its utility for early detection of cancer, many women display an aversion to mammography. Even though the National Cancer Institute recommends that women aged  40  and older should have a screening mammogram every 1-2 years, only 71.8% of women between the ages of 50 and 64 and 72.5% of women ages 65-74 had received a mammogram within the previous 2 years according to 2005 government figures. 
         [0013]    There are several reasons why women do not routinely undergo mammography. One reason is cost; those without healthcare coverage are less likely to pay out-of-pocket or seek assistance. An NEJM study found that even a small co-pay of $12 deterred 11% of women from having a mammography. The study also identified time constraints, the cost of transportation, and lost wages as contributing to a lack of screening. A number of hospitals, cancer centers and other healthcare groups have started mobile mammography vans to bring affordable, accessible and convenient mammograms to their communities. Many offer free or low-cost mammograms to women who are uninsured and/or cannot afford a mammogram. 
         [0014]    But there are other factors that dissuade women from undergoing a mammogram. A Kaiser Permanente Study published in 2011 cited pain, embarrassment and time as factors that deterred women having health insurance from undergoing screening. As previously mentioned, both breast compression and the accompanying rubbing/pinching of the skin are unpleasant. And with regard to embarrassment, the patient will normally be bare-chested for the mammogram. 
         [0015]    There have been attempts in the prior art to address the issue of pain and discomfort with cushioning strips and gel pads that are used in conjunction with the mammography unit. A need remains, however, for a way to decrease the discomfort that accompanies a mammogram and to do it in a way that maintains patient dignity and does not add significantly to the cost of the mammogram unit or the procedure. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The present invention provides a brassiere (hereinafter “mammography brassiere”) that, by virtue of certain physical adaptations, can be worn during a mammogram. The mammography brassiere permits a woman to remain at least partially clothed above the waist during a mammogram. This will lessen feelings of vulnerability and embarrassment that some women experience during the process. In some embodiments, the mammography brassiere additionally incorporates one or more features that are expected to reduce the pain experienced by some patients undergoing a mammography. 
         [0017]    In accordance with the invention, embodiments of the mammography brassiere preferably have three defining characteristics, as disclosed below. 
         [0018]    Characteristic “1” is the exclusion of any metal from the brassiere (e.g., no metal hooks, etc.). In this regard, a hook-and-loop fastener material (i.e., VELCRO®), plastic, or other suitable non-metallic material is used for closures/adjustments. To the extent that the shoulder straps of the mammography brassiere are adjustable, the adjustment element is located closer to the back band than the cups, which is characteristic “2”. That is, when the brassiere is worn, the adjustment element is accessible at the wearer&#39;s back. This avoids any interference of the adjustment element with the compression plate, etc. Characteristic “3” is that the cups of the mammography brassiere are formed of a material that provides very little resistance to deformation (by the mammography unit), such as stretchable nylon or Lycra (i.e., spandex) netting. 
         [0019]    In addition to possessing one or more, and preferably all of characteristics (1) through (3) discussed above, some embodiments of the mammography brassiere will include one or more of the following features (a) through (d) disclosed below. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, a mammography brassiere in accordance with the invention includes feature (a), which is a compression band. The compression band encircles the upper torso of the wearer just above the breasts. In some embodiments, the compression band couples to the shoulder straps of the brassiere. The compression band compresses the wearer&#39;s chest at the junction between the uppermost portion or “tail” of the breast and the chest wall; that is, just above the region  226  depicted in  FIG. 2 . This has the effect of forcing the breasts, in particular the region of the breasts closest to the chest wall, forward. This facilitates positioning a breast between compression plate  106  and cassette holder  110  of mammography unit  100  as required during a mammogram. It is believed that the pre-compression provided by the compression band may reduce some of the discomfort that is experienced during breast-positioning and compression that accompanies a mammography. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, a mammography brassiere in accordance with the invention includes feature (b), which are very wide shoulder straps. At the shoulders, the straps are at least about 4 centimeters wide and increase in width as the straps descend towards the cups. The wide straps comprise a material that provides a relatively low-friction surface relative to skin. With reference to  FIG. 2 , this surface promotes sliding movement of forward edge  107  of compression plate  106  down the patient&#39;s chest wall during positioning of the compression plate, thereby reducing any pinching/pulling of the skin that might otherwise occur. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, a mammography brassiere in accordance with the invention includes feature (c), which is a band that compresses and/or laterally shifts the position of the contralateral breast. The band, which is relatively short, is removable and is moved to either breast cup as a function of which breast is not being radiographed. One end of the band (hereinafter “cup band”) attaches, e.g., via hook-and-loop fastener, etc., between the two cups, or on each cup toward the medial edge thereof, and the other end attaches in the same manner along the side panel or bra band of the brassiere. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, a mammography brassiere in accordance with the invention includes feature (d), which are breast cups that are partially releasable or detachable. Partially releasing the cup that receives the contralateral breast causes that breast to be become unsupported by the brassiere. This facilitates set-up operations for the breast that is being radiographed and allows the contralateral breast to be easily positioned out of the radiation field. The contralateral breast remains at least somewhat covered by the released cup during set-up and radiography of the other breast. 
         [0024]    With respect to feature (d), in some of such embodiments, each cup is permanently attached to a complementary shoulder strap but is releasably coupled to the bra band by hook-and-loop fastener, etc. In some other of such embodiments, the breast cups of the mammography brassiere are not coupled directly to one another (e.g., via a center panel, etc.). Rather, each cup is attached at a superior edge to a shoulder strap, at a lateral edge to a bra band, and at a medial edge to a strap that wraps partially around the wearer&#39;s torso and releasably couples to the bra band at the back of the wearer. This “medial strap” releasably couples to the bra band via, for example, hook-and-loop fastener. 
         [0025]    In summary, in addition to preferably possessing characteristics (1) through (3), some embodiments of a mammography brassiere in accordance with the present invention include one or more of the features (a) through (d), in any combination. An embodiment of the brassiere would not typically include both features (c) and (d). Table I is a list of the characteristics and features of some preferred embodiments of a mammography brassiere in accordance with the present invention. In the Table, a “✓” indicates that the particular characteristic or feature is associated with the particular embodiment. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE I 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 List of the Characteristics and Features of Some Preferred Embodiments 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 CHARACTERISTICS/FEATURES 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Back 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Adjustment 
                   
                   
                 Wide 
               
               
                   
                 No 
                 Shoulder 
                 Stretch 
                 Compression 
                 Shoulder 
                 Cup 
                 Releasable 
               
               
                 Embodiment 
                 Metal 
                 Strap 
                 Cup 
                 Band 
                 Straps 
                 Band 
                 Cups 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 2 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 3 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 4 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
               
               
                 5 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
               
               
                 6 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 7 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
               
               
                 8 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
               
               
                 9 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
               
               
                 10 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
               
               
                 11 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 12 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 13 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 14 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
               
               
                 15 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
               
               
                 16 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 ✓ 
                 — 
                 ✓ 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  depicts mammography unit  100  in the prior art. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  depicts a simplified view of mammography unit  100  in operation. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict mammography brassiere  300  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict mammography brassiere  400  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4C  depicts a cup strap for use with mammography brassiere  400 . 
           [0031]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  depict mammography brassiere  500  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict mammography brassiere  600  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict mammography brassiere  700  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict mammography brassiere  700  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    A number of embodiments of a mammography brassiere in accordance with the present invention are described herein. All such embodiments are preferably, but not necessarily, associated with three defining characteristics. First, for all such embodiments, it is preferable that no metal is included in the bra, such as is typically embodied in an underwire, closure hooks, etc. If present, metal can scatter, block, or otherwise interfere with the x-rays emitted from the mammography unit. Second, to the extent that the shoulder straps of the various embodiments of the mammography brassiere include an adjustment device for changing the length of the straps, it should be accessible at the back of the wearer not the front, so as not to interfere with the breast-positioning elements of the mammography unit. Third, the breast cups of the various embodiments of the mammography brassiere should be “stretch cups,” which will provide very little resistance to deformation during applied force, such as the compression force applied by the compression plate of a mammography unit. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict respective front and back views of mammography brassiere  300  (on a wearer) in accordance with the present invention. Brassiere  300  includes breast cups  302 A and  302 B, bra band  304 , center panel  308 , shoulder straps  310 A and  310 B, and compression band  316 . 
         [0037]    Breast cups  302 A and  302 B receive the wearer&#39;s breasts. As previously mentioned, the breast cups are stretch cups. For use herein and the appended claims, the term “stretch cups” means that the cups are formed in such a way (materials selection and/or fabric weave) that they provide little shaping to the breasts and provide very little resistance to deformation during applied force (e.g., compression, etc.). Materials suitable for use as cups  302 A and  302 B include, without limitation, stretchable nylon, LYCRA® brand spandex netting, or other fabrics known to those skilled in the art having an appropriate weave and/or thread type. The cups preferably, but not necessarily, comprise a four-way stretch fabric. 
         [0038]    Cups  302 A and  302 B attach, at their respective lateral edges, to bra band  304 . The bra band comprises a resilient, elastic material, such as, without limitation, LYCRA® brand spandex fiber or girdle fabric (i.e., two-way stretch nylon fabric). In mammography brassiere  300 , the bra band stops at the lateral edges of cups  302 A and  302 B, wherein center panel or “gore”  308  is disposed between the cups, attaching to the respective medial edges thereof. In some other embodiments, the bra band is a single continuous piece that encircles the wearer&#39;s torso (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 5A and 5B ; mammography brassiere  500 ). 
         [0039]    Bra band  304  includes back closure  306 , which is implemented in some embodiments as complementary strips of hook-and-loop fastener material (VELCRO®) that are attached to the free ends of the bra band. As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “back closure” refers to a closure that is located at the back of a wearer of the brassiere. Similarly, as used herein and in the appended claims, when the term “back” is used to reference a portion of the brassiere, such as the “back” of the bra band, it means that the referenced portion is located at the back of the wearer of the brassiere. 
         [0040]    Cups  302 A and  302 B attach, at their respective superior edges, to “front” end of respective shoulder straps  310 A and  310 B. The straps of mammography brassiere  300  attach camisole-strap style to bra band  304  wherein the “back” end of shoulder straps  310 A and  310 B are sewn to the bra band at approximately a right angle thereto. In some other embodiments (not depicted), the straps can attach leotard-strap style to bra band  304 . 
         [0041]    Shoulder straps  310 A and  310 B can be made of cotton, LYCRA® brand spandex fiber, or other materials known to those skilled in the art. It is preferable that the outward-facing surface (as opposed to the surface that abuts the skin of the wearer, hereinafter referred to as the “inward-facing surface”) of shoulder straps  310 A and  310 B is characterized by relatively low friction, so that the compression plate of a mammography unit will slide relatively unimpeded over the shoulder straps. In some further embodiments, shoulder straps  310 A and  310 B comprise a clear thermoplastic material, such as Clear-Fit TPU brand thermoplastic polyurethane, commercially available from Fulflex, Inc. of Brattleboro, Vt. 
         [0042]    Each shoulder strap  310 A and  310 B includes an adjustment element  314  that is accessible at the wearer&#39;s back for adjusting the effective length of the shoulder straps. In the illustrative embodiment, each strap includes two portions, wherein one portion of the strap attaches to the superior edge of a breast cup and the other portion of the strap attaches to bra band  304 . In mammography brassiere  300 , the adjustment element  314  comprises complementary strips of hook-and-loop fastener material (i.e., VELCRO®) that are attached to the free ends of the two strap portions. In such an embodiment, the fastener material enables the two portions to be coupled; the amount by which the portions overlap one another dictates the effective length of the strap. In some other embodiments (not depicted), adjustment feature  314  comprises non-metallic (e.g., plastic, etc.) rings on each strap to alter the length thereof. 
         [0043]    Brassiere  300  also includes compression band  316 . Compression band  316  is similar in structure to a breast band disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/411,312 and is virtually identical to a breast band disclosed in Ser. No. 13/439,021, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0044]    Compression band  316  provides two axilla-accommodating regions  318 , which prevent the band from creasing or folding over and decreases the tendency for the band to press into the wearer&#39;s skin at the axilla regions. In Ser. No. 13/411,312, the breast band was covered, in at least some embodiments, with a soft, moisture absorbent material. In contrast, the outer surface of compression band  316  present a smooth, low-friction surface to the mammography unit&#39;s compression plate so that the compression will readily slide over the compression band during breast positioning. A material suitable for use as the compression band is the aformentioned Clear-Fit TPU brand thermoplastic polyurethane. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/439,021 discloses an embodiment in which the breast band comprises TPU thermoplastic polyurethane. Compression band  316  includes a closure/adjustment element  320 . In the illustrative embodiment, closure/adjustment element comprises hook-and-loop fastener material (VELCRO®), which is attached to the free ends of compression band  316 . 
         [0045]    Each shoulder strap  310 A and  310 B of mammography brassiere  300  is physically adapted to receive compression band  316  and ensure that it remains in position as the mammography unit compression plate slides over the compression band. In brassiere  300 , the physical adaptation is coupling element  312 , which is configured as a loop of material. The material advantageously provides a low-friction surface, and can be, without limitation, polyester. In some other embodiments (not depicted), coupling element  312  is a slit that is long enough to accommodate the width of compression band  316 , such that the compression band passes through each shoulder strap  310 A and  310 B. 
         [0046]    In some alternative embodiments, shoulder straps  310 A and  310 B are not adapted to receive compression band  316  and the band is not otherwise attached to other parts of brassiere  300 . In such embodiments, the mammography brassiere is a two-piece system: the brassiere proper and the compression band. In some such embodiments, the skin-facing surface of compression band  316  comprises a relatively higher friction surface than the outward facing surface thereof. The higher friction surface reduces the tendency of compression band  316  to slide over the wearer&#39;s skin. When embodied as a two-piece system, compression band  316  can be worn under or over the shoulder straps. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict respective front and back views of mammography brassiere  400  (on a wearer) in accordance with the present invention. Brassiere  400  includes breast cups  402 A and  402 B, bra band  404  and back closure  406 , center panel  408 , shoulder straps  410 A and  410 B, compression band  316  and closure/adjustment feature  320 , and cup band  428 . 
         [0048]    Shoulder straps  410 A and  410 B of mammography brassiere  400  are wider than shoulder straps  310 A and  310 B. The relatively wider shoulder straps of brassiere  400  reduce the amount of contact between the mammography unit&#39;s compression plate and the skin of the patient&#39;s upper chest as compared to the relatively thinner shoulder straps of brassiere  300 . At the shoulders, shoulder straps  410 A and  410 B have a width in the range of about  4  to  8  centimeters. Like shoulder straps  310 A and  310 B of brassiere  300 , shoulder straps  410 A and  410 B including coupling element  312  for coupling compression band  316  to the shoulder straps. Shoulder straps  410 A and  410 B can be made of the same material as shoulder straps  310 A and  310 B. 
         [0049]    The wider shoulder straps of brassiere  400  are coupled to bra band  404  in a different manner than shoulder straps  310 A and  310 B of brassiere  300 . In particular, shoulder straps  410 A and  410 B attach to bra band  404  via strips of hook-and-loop fastener material (VELCRO®) at back closure/adjustment feature  414 . For example, two (relatively longer) strips  422  of fastener material are disposed on bra band  404  and positioned to engage two (relatively shorter) strips  424  of fastener material disposed at the free end of the shoulder straps (one strip on each strap). This enables shoulder straps  410 A and  410 B to couple to bra band  404 ; the precise positioning of the shoulder strap vis-à-vis the bra band dictates the effective length of the strap. That is, a shoulder strap  410 A or  410 B is effectively shortened by positioning the free end of the shoulder strap further toward the inferior (lower) edge of bra band  404 , as indicated by arrow  426 . 
         [0050]    Cup band  428 , depicted in  FIG. 4C  as well as  FIGS. 4A and 4B , is a strip of material that is long enough (e.g., approximately 10-12 inches) to extend from center panel  408  to somewhat beyond the lateral edge of breast cup  402 A or  402 B. The cup band comprises a material that can be, but need not be, resilient. For example, in some embodiments, the material can be LYCRA® brand spandex, cotton, or other materials known in the construction of brassieres. Cup band  428  attaches to brassiere  400  at two locations for each cup. One location is medial attachment point  430 , which is disposed in center panel  408 . The second location is, for right cup  402 A, right-side lateral attachment point  432 A. For left cup  402 B, the second attachment location is left-side lateral attachment point  432 B. The lateral attachment points are located proximal to the lateral edge of each breast cup  402 A and  402 B. 
         [0051]    Strip  434  of hook-and-loop fastener material is disposed at medial attachment point  430 . Strip  436  of hook-and-loop fastener material is disposed at each of the left-side and right-side lateral attachment points  432 . Strips  438  of hook-and-loop fastener material are disposed at the free ends of cup band  428 . 
         [0052]    In use, if the right breast is being prepared for a mammogram, cup band  428  is used to move the left breast “out of the way” by somewhat compressing it and/or pulling it laterally (i.e., toward left-side lateral attachment point  432 B). To do this, strip  438  of hook-and-loop fastener at one end of cup band  428  is coupled to complementary strip  434  of hook-and-loop fastener disposed at medial attachment point  430 . Cup band  428  is then pulled tight against the left breast and strip  438  of hook-and-loop fastener at the other end of the cup band is coupled to complementary strip  436  disposed at left-side lateral attachment point  432 B. Conversely, if the left breast is being prepared for a mammogram, cup band  428  is used to move the right breast out of the way. The process is the same, but now applied to the right breast, such that one end of cup band  428  couples to medial attachment point  430  and the other end attaches to right-side lateral attachment point  432 A. 
         [0053]    In some alternative embodiments, rather than having a single medial attachment point  430  that is disposed between cups  402 A, a medial attachment point is located on each cup, toward the medial edge of the cup. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  depict front views of mammography brassiere  500  (on a wearer) in accordance with the present invention. Brassiere  500  includes releasable breast cups  502 A and  502 B, bra band  504 , shoulder straps  510 A and  510 B, and compression band  316 . 
         [0055]    Brassiere  500  includes wide shoulder straps  510 A and  510 B like those of brassiere  400 , but without coupling element  312  that couples compression band  316  to the shoulder straps. Compression band  316  can still be used with brassiere  500 ; the compression band is simply not coupled to other elements of the brassiere  500 . 
         [0056]    Unlike brassieres  300  and  400 , mammography brassiere  500  has releasable cups, wherein breast cups  502 A and  502 B are individually releasable from bra band  504  via closures  540 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 5B  depicts cup  502 B released from bra band  504 . In this embodiment, closure  540  comprises complementary strips  542  and  544  of hook-and-loop fastener. Strip  542  is attached to the periphery of each cup  502 A and  502 B. Strips  544  are attached to the superior edge of front of bra band  504  at two locations and are positioned to couple to strips  542  of hook-and-loop fastener on the cups when the cups are brought into contact with the bra band. As depicted in  FIG. 5B , the superior edge of bra band  504  is contoured to follow the curve of cups  502 A and  502 B. 
         [0058]    The materials of construction for various elements (e.g., shoulder straps, bra band, cups, etc.) of brassiere  500  are the same as indicated for brassieres  300  and  400 . 
         [0059]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict respective front and back views of mammography brassiere  600  (on a wearer) in accordance with the present invention. Brassiere  600  includes releasable breast cups  602 A and  602 B, medial straps  646 A and  646 B, bra band  604 , and shoulder straps  610 A and  610 B. 
         [0060]    Like brassiere  500 , brassiere  600  includes individually releasable breast cups, but implements the release function differently. Brassiere  600  lacks a central panel or a continuous bra band that would otherwise effectively couple cups  602 A and  602 B to one another. Rather, the medial edge of each cup couples, via a medial strap, to the bra band at the back of the wearer. 
         [0061]    Specifically, medial strap  646 A attaches to the medial edge of cup  602 A and medial strap  646 B attaches to the medial edge of cup  602 B. The medial straps then wrap partially about the torso of the wearer, coupling to bra band  604  at closures  648 . In brassiere  600 , closures  648  are embodied as hook-and-look fastener. 
         [0062]    In use, if the right breast is being prepared for a mammogram, medial strap  646 B is released from closure  648 , which releases cup  602 B. This facilitates the positioning of the right breast in the mammography unit without interference from the left breast. Conversely, if the left breast is being prepared for a mammogram, medial strap  646 A is released from closure  648 , thereby releasing cup  602 A. A released cup will provide coverage of the breast. 
         [0063]    Brassiere  600  is used without compression band  316 . Shoulder strap  610 A and  610 B are similar to shoulder straps  310 A and  310 B of brassiere  300 , and includes adjustment element that is accessible at the wearer&#39;s back for adjusting the length of the shoulder straps. The adjustment element can be hook-and-loop fastener, non-metallic rings, etc. 
         [0064]    The materials of construction for various elements (e.g., shoulder straps, bra band, cups, etc.) of brassiere  600  are the same as indicated for brassieres  300  through  500 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict respective front and back views of mammography brassiere  700  (on a wearer) in accordance with the present invention. Brassiere  700  is a version of brassiere  600  that includes a compression band. Brassiere  700  comprises releasable breast cups  602 A and  602 B, medial straps  646 A and  646 B, bra band  604 , compression band  316  and closure/adjustment element  320 , and shoulder straps  710 A and  710 B with adjustment element  714 . 
         [0066]    The materials of construction for various elements (e.g., shoulder straps, bra band, cups, etc.) of brassiere  700  are the same as indicated for brassieres  300  through  600 . 
         [0067]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict respective front and back views of mammography brassiere  800  (on a wearer) in accordance with the present invention. Brassiere  800  includes releasable breast cups  802 A and  802 B, medial straps  846 A and  846 B, bra band  804 , and shoulder straps  810 A and  810 B with back closure/adjustment feature  814 . 
         [0068]    Brassiere  800  includes releasable breast cups that are similar to those in brassieres  600  and  700  and the relatively wider shoulder straps of brassiere  400 . The operation of brassiere  800  is the same as brassiere  600  in terms of releasing the cup of the non-involved breast by releasing the appropriate medial strap  846 A or  846 B from the appropriate closure  648 . 
         [0069]    The materials of construction for various elements (e.g., shoulder straps, bra band, cups, etc.) of brassiere  800  are the same as indicated for brassieres  300  through  700 . 
         [0070]    It is to be understood that many variations of the invention can easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure and that the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the following claims.