Current mammographic techniques are quite safe with low dose radiation used to detect masses or calcifications.

Patients should be instructed that compression is a very important component of a well-done mammogram.

• The patient should be instructed that the use of compression allows better visualization of the structures in the breast and reduces the radiation dose to the breast.
  
  
• The patient should be assured that the time in which she will be in compression is quite short.

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