Mammography

What is a Mammogram?

Mammography is specialized medical imaging test that uses a low-dose x-ray system to see inside the breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, aids in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

An x-ray (radiograph) is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

Digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by electronics that convert x-rays into mammographic pictures of the breast. These systems are similar to those found in digital cameras and their efficiency enables better pictures with a lower radiation dose. These images of the breast are transferred to a computer for review by the radiologist and for long term storage. The patient’s experience during a digital mammogram is similar to having a conventional film mammogram.

What is the Ontario Breast Screening Program?

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is a province-wide, organized breast screening program that provides high-quality breast cancer screening that women can access by self-referral. 

Women aged 50 to 74 who are at average risk for breast cancer can self-refer for a mammogram at Mackenzie Health every two years using the OBSP.

Patients are not eligible to be in the program, if:

• Patient has previously been diagnosed with breast cancer
• Patients have breast implants
• Patient is experiencing acute breast symptoms
• Patient has had a mammogram test within the last year 
• Patient must be a current resident of Ontario.

For more information about OBSP at Mackenzie Health call 905-883-1212 ext. 7255 from Richmond Hill or 905-832-4554 ext. 7255 from Vaughan. Learn more about the Ontario Breast Screening Program and Cancer Care Ontario.

What is a Steotactic Breast Biopsy?

Stereotactic breast biopsy is performed as a non-surgical method of assessing a breast abnormality. Using mammography, a specific type of breast imaging and the use of a low-dose of x-rays to locate a breast abnormality the procedure removes a tissue sample that will undergo an examination under a microscope. It’s less invasive than a surgical biopsy, it leaves little to no scarring and can be an excellent way to evaluate calcium deposits or tiny masses that are not visible on ultrasound.

What are some common uses of the procedure?
A stereotactic breast biopsy may be performed when a mammogram shows a breast abnormality such as:

• a suspicious mass
• microcalcifications, which are a tiny cluster of small calcium deposits
• a distortion in the structure of the breast tissue
• an area of abnormal tissue change
• a new mass or area of calcium deposits in a previous surgery site.

If the results show cancer cells, the surgeon can use this information for planning treatment.

Following your appointment, patients are advised to:

• Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after your biopsy.
• Please contact your physician if you experience excessive swelling, bleeding, drainage, redness or heat in the breast.

Referring a Patient

A completed Diagnostic Imaging requisition form must be completed by a physician for patients to be referred for a Mammogram at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. 

Please ensure the requisition form includes the referring physician’s information, date and signature, patients information and patient’s clinical history.

To obtain a copy of the Diagnostic Imaging requisition form, visit the referral and consent forms page. Physician offices can fax a patient’s Diagnostic Imaging requisition form to 905-883-0772.

Please allow three (3) to five (5) business days for a completed requisition form to be reviewed and processed by Mackenzie Health.

A representative from Mackenzie Health Patient Scheduling Office will call the patient to advise:

• Appointment date and time
• Arrival time
• Associated preparations for the test

If you receive a voicemail from the Patient Scheduling Office, please call 905-883-1212 ext. 2004 from Richmond Hill or 905-883-4554 ext. 2004 from Vaughan to complete the pre-registration process.

Online convenience with MyChart

Through MyChart, patients have online access:

• Appointment calendars and details
• Update your patient demographic at any time and e-check in seven days prior to your next appointment
• Receive post-appointment clinical notes and test results

Patients can register for MyChart when scheduling an appointment or can sign up online at mackenziehealth.ca/mychart.

How do I prepare for an Mammogram?

Patients will receive a reminder notification a few days prior to your scheduled appointment. Please ensure you confirm or cancel through the automated system.

At the time of booking, patients will be advised by the Patient Scheduling Office on their arrival time.

• A reminder, Mackenzie Health is a scent-free environment

Please follow any preparations provided at the point of scheduling

• Bring your valid health card
• Patients are advised to not schedule a mammogram for the week before your menstrual period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period.

• Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
• Patients who are being examined for a Steotactic Breast Biopsy should report all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements to their referring physician.
•  Your physician may advise you to stop taking aspirin, blood thinners, or certain herbal supplements for five (5) days before your procedure to decrease your risk of bleeding.
• Also, inform your doctor about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.

When you arrive at the hospital

• Patients will be advised to change into a hospital gown
• Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant

• Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
• Obtain your prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist if they were done at a different location. This is needed for comparison with your current exam and can often be obtained on a CD.
• Be sure to ask when your results will be available, so you may follow up with your referring physician.

How long does a Mammogram take?

What do I do when I arrive at the hospital?

• Patients may park in the Visitors parking lot (North of the hospital) and enter through the D-wing, Emergency Department entrance. Click here for more information on parking services.

• During peak hours, parking can take longer than expected. Please allow yourself extra time to accommodate this. Alternate options are to take public transit or get dropped off by a family member or friend.
• Check in at Patient Registration located in C-Wing Level 2 (between the C-wing, main lobby and D-wing Emergency entrance) using our self-serve kiosks.

Map to Patient Registration:

How do I reschedule my appointment?

Please provide 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. You can cancel your appointments online using MyChart but will need to reschedule by calling the patient scheduling office at 905-883-1212 ext. 2004 from Richmond Hill or 905-832-4554 ext. 2004 From Vaughan.

How can I obtain a copy of my test images?

Test results will typically be sent to your referring physician within five (5) business days.

Images of your Mammogram test are available upon request by calling 905-883-1212 ext. 2200 from Richmond Hill or 905-883-1212 ext. 2200 from Vaughan and will be provided on a CD for $10. Health Information Services will advise when your CD and report can be picked up from Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, B-wing, Level 1, Room 1926. Health Information Services is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you would like to pick up a CD on behalf of another person, please bring an authorizing letter, signed by the person.