I have had one mammogram, approximately 8 years ago (present age 58). I vowed never to have another until such time as a more humane test was developed.

I have a high pain threshold, I am not afraid of pain; but I have never suffered such severe pain as when I underwent that mammogram. I have had cystic mastitis for many years and with the extreme squeezing of my breast tissue, I'm sure every cyst must have popped open. It was all I could do to allow the attendant to complete the exam.

Not only did I suffer extreme pain at the time; but was very sore for days afterwards and I am still convinced that an exam such as that did me more harm than good.

I find it incomprehensible that in this day and age of high-tech, medical and diagnostic advances, women are still subjected to such archaic diagnostic tools.

Unfortunately, women will continue to either suffer or go without mammography until such time as many more of us object to this type of treatment.

I have had Pap smears every year or two since I was 20; I comply very well with treatments and tests recommended by my physician - except for mammography. Hopefully, a more humane exam such as an MRI will soon become available and I'm sure you will see the 'regular mammography' statistics increase.