Every woman has her own level of sensitivity when it comes to her breasts. Some women report almost no or minimal discomfort during a mammogram. Other women describe the pressure to the breasts as a crushing or pinching sensation, making the experience quite painful. The tight compression of the breasts is needed to get a good x-ray image. Some women experience a lingering soreness, most likely due to some bruising of the breast tissue.
Some women also feel soreness in the armpits and breastbone.
But let me reassure you that researchers have found no connection between compression of the breasts and an increased risk of breast cancer. What can be harmful is if you swear to never have another mammogram because of a previous bad experience or in anticipation of pain. Postmenopausal women on hormone therapy can also have breast tenderness. If you re on a regimen that gives you a period, you can follow the advice above. It may help to stop all caffeine 2 weeks prior to your appointment.