Premedication to Reduce Discomfort With Screening Mammography

Phase 4CompletedNCT00382083

Mountain States Tumor and Medical Research Institute

Overview

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?

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 In an unpublished Master's thesis, this investigator found that women who expected discomfort \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 Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Conditions

Breast Pain

Interventions

1000 mg acetaminophenDRUG

800 mg ibuprofenDRUG

1 oz 4% lidocaine gelDRUG

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 30 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Women scheduled for age-appropriate screening mammography at St. Luke's Breast Cancer Detection Center * Expect discomfort of 40 or greater on a scale of 0-100 * Willing to arrive 1 hour early for appointment to enroll in study Exclusion Criteria: Women who: * expect discomfort from their mammogram to be \< 40 on a scale of 0-100 * cannot understand or read English or who are unable to complete the consent process or questionnaire for reasons such as hearing impairment or other physical or mental disabilities * have a sensitivity or allergy to acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or lidocaine * have significant liver or kidney dysfunction * are breast-feeding * cannot arrive a minimum of 60 minutes earlier than their appointment time * have taken any pain relief medications within 24 hours of their mammogram appointment, including over-the-counter medications.

Locations (1)

St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute Breast Cancer Detection Center

Boise, Idaho, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Discomfort scores on a visual analog scale at recruitment, at enrollment, and after mammogram

Satisfaction scores on a visual analog scale after mammogram

Secondary Outcomes

Pre-mammogram anxiety scores on a visual anxiety scale at enrollment

Pre-mammogram breast tenderness scores on a visual analog scale at enrollment

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.