Mammography is a low-dose x-ray examination of the breasts.  Mammography is the most commonly used technique for early detection and diagnosis in breast cancer patients. Regular screenings are recommended in order to take quick action for detection as well as early treatment. Through mammography, changes in structures, such as lumps or abnormal growths, can be observed and diagnosed properly.

Albany Diagnostic Imaging is an approved Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) site.  The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is a province-wide, organized breast screening program that provides high-quality breast cancer screening to two groups of women: 

• Women aged 40 to 74 years who are at average risk for breast cancer should be screened with mammography every two years. No physician referral is needed.  However, the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) recommends that you speak with a primary care physician prior to embarking on preventative screening. That means in Ontario, you can call and book a mammogram if you are between 40 and 74, have no acute breast symptoms, no history of breast cancer, no current breast implants and haven’t had a mammogram in the past 11 months.
• Women aged 30 to 69 years who are identified as being at high risk for breast cancer should be screened with annual mammography and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening (or screening ultrasound, if appropriate). Women can be referred into this program by their healthcare provider based on their family or medical history. Check here for more information about high-risk breast screening and info about what high risk means.

The OBSP ensures that all women in Ontario are able to access breast screening without even visiting a family physician.  If you are 40 or over, you do not need a doctor’s referral to book for a breast mammogram.  

A Mammogram involves some exposure to radiation. However, the amount of radiation is extremely low. Be sure to tell your doctor if you suspect you might be pregnant or if you are breast-feeding.

During the test, our Technologist will ask you to remove clothing from the waist up. Your breasts are placed on the x-ray surface and a compression device is applied. This compression improves the quality of the x-ray and may cause some mild discomfort. This ensures a better image, and can be uncomfortable for patients. At least two different views of each breast will be taken. 

Mammograms normally take about 15 minutes. 

If you are experiencing breast tenderness you should speak to your doctor about postponing the procedure until this condition has subsided.

After your test, the results will be read by our radiologist and forwarded to your family doctor.  If you have previously had a mammogram at the Albany, your new test result will generally be available to the ordering physician within two weeks. 

Results of a mammographic study may be correlated with those of other breast imaging studies, such as a breast ultrasound, in order to obtain a more conclusive diagnosis.