An imaging system and related method are provided. The imaging system comprises a surface configured to support a portion of a patient's body, compression paddle configured to compress the portion of a patient's body against the surface, the compression paddle movable between an upper position and a lower position; and a compression control in direct or indirect communication with the compression paddle and configured to effectuate displacement of the compression paddle to any position between and including the upper position and the lower position upon receiving a patient input or command. The system may further comprise a feedback device configured to provide, to the patient, information indicative of the quality of the image that would be achieved at a corresponding compression paddle position to assist the patient in selecting a desirable compression paddle position.