Premedication to Reduce Discomfort With Screening Mammography

Breast Pain Clinical Trial

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This study will explore the effect of pre-medication with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and topical lidocaine gel (Topicaine) on the perception of discomfort and overall satisfaction with the mammography experience.

The research questions are:

1. What is the relationship between the use of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and Topicaine prior to screening mammography and the perception of discomfort during the procedure?

2. What is the relationship between perception of discomfort and overall satisfaction with the mammography experience?

3. What is the relationship between the perception of discomfort and plans for future mammograms?

4. What other factors are associated with the perception of discomfort and satisfaction?

Clinical Trial Description

Breast cancer is prevalent, deadly, costly, and has low cure rates unless detected in its early stages. Mammography is the key component to early detection, yet it remains underutilized due to cost, access, and factors such as fear of pain.

Multiple studies have shown that most women find mammography uncomfortable, even painful. Yet, little research has been done to find methods to reduce mammography-related discomfort. In an unpublished Master’s thesis, this investigator found that women who expected discomfort > 40 on a visual analog scale (VAS) who were pre-medicated with 1000 mg of acetaminophen reported lower discomfort scores than those pre-medicated with placebo, but the sample size was too small to reach statistical significance. Further study on the effects of pre-medication is needed.

Pain should not be associated with a potentially lifesaving procedure. A more comfortable and positive experience with mammography may increase the number of women who participate in regular mammography screening, and, thereby, increase early detection and reduce the mortality rate, costs, and emotional trauma associated with breast cancer. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Double-Blind, Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Breast Pain

• NCT number: NCT00382083
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Mountain States Tumor and Medical Research Institute
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Start date: March 2006
• Completion date: June 2006