Mammography

A mammography uses X-rays to produce images of the internal breast structure. The exam is used for screeing purposes and to detect anomalies such as cysts and cancer tumours.

Mammography exams are done by the Medical Imaging Department.

How to access our services?

  • You must have a referral from your family doctor to get an appointment for this test.
  • You do not need a physician referral if your havec received a letter from the Ontario Breast Screening Program.

About The Program

Before your appointment

  1. Your family doctor will fax us a request. Please make sure that your doctor has your up-to-date contact information so we may call you.
  2. We will call you within 2 to 3 weeks to schedule an appointment, which will take place a few weeks later. Therefore, it could take up to 6 weeks between your doctor’s referral and your appointment at HGH Diagnostic Imaging.
  3. You will receive a reminder a few days before your appointment.

What to bring

  • Health Card
  • Lis of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal medicines.

When your arrive

  • Please register at one the self-service registration kiosks at the Main Entrance at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
  • After registration, report directly to the Medical Imaging Reception in Block D.
  • You will have to remove your clothes from the waist up and wear a hospital gown. If you prefer to wear your own clothes, you may bring a robe.
  • You will have to take off your necklaces and earrings.

Preparation and procedure

  • Please do not wear deodorant or powder, as these products may appear as calcium spots on the mammography.
  • During the exam, you are standing and the breast to be examined is placed and compressed between two plates. The compression is required to produce good quality images of the internal breast structure.
  • The exam may cause some pain and discomfort.
  • The exam takes about 15 minutes.

Test results

  • Radiology technologists are not able to give you the results of your exam. Results will be sent to your physician within 10 working days.
  • You must book an appointment with your family doctor or healthcare professional who sent us the referral to discuss your test results.
  • If the examination was done through Ontario’s Breast Cancer Screening Program, you will receive a letter with your test results within 2 weeks.