There's no question that mammograms save lives, but some women still put off this important diagnostic tool, sometimes citing fear of discomfort as one of their excuses.

It's called the mammopad, and it was designed by a female breast surgeon specifically to ease many women's concerns about the pain they experienced when getting a mammogram.

"We're padding the corners and the surfaces of the machine which themselves cause pain because they're hard and they're cold so it makes it warmer and softer," says Gail Lebovic, inventor of the mammopad.

The mammopad creates a cushion between you and the compression surfaces of the mammography device. This allows for a softer, warmer, more comfortable mammogram that relaxes most women. Radiologist Mary Kay Peterson says the mammopad helps to hold the breast in place for the side-to-side view.

This is a mammopad and it's considered to be radiolucent which means it's invisible to x-rays therefore the images are unencumbered. Dr. Peterson also says that studies have shown that the mammopad is still able to accomplish the necessary compression to get good accurate pictures.

"Overall my hope is that by sort of decreasing the fear of pain and when the word gets out on the street that it doesn't hurt as much anymore to get a mammogram, hopefully we'll improve compliance, that ultimately should save live," says Gail Lebovic.

Clinical studies have shown that 70% of women said it reduced their discomfort by half.

There may be a nominal charge for the mammopad, depending on the facility. It's recommended that every woman -- starting at age 40 -- get annual mammograms, and women with a family history may be advised to start even younger.