FAQ

Yes, Jane Brattain is a real person and continues to play an integral role with the center. Read her story.

A mammogram should not hurt. Some women have said this depends on where you are in your menstrual cycle. You may want to schedule your appointment the week before your period, if you know your breasts are sensitive .

Compression may cause discomfort, but should not damage the breast tissue.

No. Ultrasound is better at ruling out cystic or solid masses, while calcifications are not always visible under ultrasound. Mammography is the best tool for looking at the entire breast.

The robes were designed by women who work in the breast center and Jane Brattain. We designed them to be soft, spa-like gowns in which any woman can be comfortable.

We are happy that women are so interested in the robes. We currently are trying to find a vendor that can replicate the robes, so they can be available for sale in the Jane Brattain Boutique.

You may need to be professionally fitted for a bra. Pain often results from an ill-fitting bra or one that is old, with worn under-wire or elastic. Visit Jane Brattain Boutique for a bra-fitting.

This is not our expertise. You can find a professional fitter at Jane Brattain Boutique.

Most mammography equipment at Jane Brattain Breast Center was purchased new the year we opened: fall 2000. Our digital mammography machines were purchased July 2002 and November 2004.

Every piece of equipment meets Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) standards, so each machine has to be in top working order.

Analog mammography machines can be used with any size breast. However, our digital mammography machines can be used only up to a C cup. Knowing your bra size helps us place you on the proper room schedule.

A mammogram is an X-ray picture that is black and white. The radiologist looks for breast density changes in picture. 

We can conduct a mammogram on women with implants. We use a special technique that allows us to view the tissue behind the implant.

We can perform a mammogam on any breast size.

Breast size does not determine how much a mammogram may hurt. An uncomfortable mammogram usually is due to sensitive breasts caused by hormonal changes.

Pain rarely is a symptom of breast cancer, but is common of benign cysts. If a woman has persistent pain in any area of the body, including the breast, she should seek medical advice.

Yes. Men can develop breast lumps and breast cancer. If a man suspects a problem with his breast, he should call his primary care doctor or Jane Brattain Breast Center at 952-993-3700.

No. Compression is very important to even out the thickness of the breast so we can achieve the best picture possible.