Breast Health Centre
Mackenzie Health's John & Josie Watson Breast Health Centre provides compassionate, thorough, timely and comprehensive care for those who have had an abnormal breast screening test.
Our goal is to provide short wait-times from initial referral from your family physician to assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a possible breast abnormality.
The John & Josie Watson Breast Health Centre is a consult clinic where patients meet with physicians and a nurse navigator to complete a physical assessment, including additional testing if required, diagnosis and counselling. If a diagnosis of breast cancer or other abnormality is made, the team is ready to help with support and options.
- Bring your health card and any CDs, mammogram films or ultrasound images you might have recently had taken.
- Continue to take all your regular medications, unless told otherwise.
- Bring your medication containers to your appointment along with any vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements.
- Bring a list of any past surgeries and other important medical concerns/procedures you might have had. These will help the doctor to determine next steps for your health care needs.
- You may wish to make a list of questions to bring with you on the day of the appointment.
- Feel free to bring a spouse, family member, friend, or interpreter with you.
- Wear a two-piece outfit (e.g. top and a skirt or pants). You will only need to take off your top and wear a gown for the examination.
You will see the nurse navigator and a breast surgeon who will work with you to diagnose and offer you treatment options depending on your needs.
If necessary, you may be referred to other medical specialists.
If you are unable to keep your clinic appointment, please call (905)883-1212, ext. 3245 to reschedule. If you are unable to keep your imaging appointment, please call (905) 883-1212, ext. 2004.
You may be sent for further ultrasound or mammography with the possibility of a biopsy. A CT scan and MRI are also other alternatives your surgeon may consider.
A breast biopsy is a procedure where a radiologist uses a very thin needle to withdraw a small amount of tissue from the suspicious area using mammography or ultrasound technology. This tissue is then sent to the lab for testing. It can take about 7 to 10 business days to get your biopsy results back.
Preparing for your biopsy
If you are receiving a biopsy, please wear a bra and avoid deodorant or powders on the day of the procedure. Come 30 minutes before your test to register and get ready. Before the test begins, you will be given a local freezing.
Note: If you are taking blood thinners, please consult your family physician before your biopsy.
Mackenzie Health is proud to participate in the Ontario Breast Screening Program. Our state-of-the-art digital technology provides expert breast imaging with the shortest possible wait time. Our goal is to offer early diagnosis and the fastest possible treatment.
- Patients may park in the visitors parking lot north of the hospital and enter through the D-wing entrance near the Emergency Department. Click here for more information on parking services.
- During peak hours, parking can take longer than expected. Please allow yourself extra time to find a parking spot. Alternate options are to take public transit or be dropped off by a family member or friend.
- Check in at Patient Registration located in the C-wing on level 2 (between the C-wing main lobby and the D-wing Emergency Department entrance) using our self-serve kiosks.
Clinic Hours: Monday to Friday 8a.m. to 4p.m.
Contact Information: 905-883-1212, ext. 3245 Fax: 905-883-0772
