Mammography, using a low dose X-Ray, is the most effective tool for the earliest detection of breast cancer as it can reveal masses in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.
Before scheduling a mammogram, discuss any problems or concerns that you may have with your doctor.
Inform your doctor of any hormone use, prior surgeries, and any family or personal history of breast cancer.
If you have sensitive breasts, the best time to have a mammogram performed is one week following your period. Try not to have your mammogram during the week before your period if your breasts are typically tender during this time.
Please remember not to use any deodorant, powder or body lotion over the breast and underarm region on the morning of your mammogram – this is because some can contain talc metallics or fragments that can mimic pathology.
Please also inform your mammography technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
Types of Mammograms
- Screening Mammogram
A routine annual exam recommended for women who do not have any breast cancer symptoms. Screening mammograms aim to detect unsuspected breast cancers at an early stage when treatment is most effective.
- Diagnostic Mammogram
We perform diagnostic mammograms when a lump, tenderness, nipple discharge or skin change have been discovered – or after a patient has had suspicious results from a screening mammogram.
We also perform Diagnostic mammograms when a practitioner recommends a short term follow-up after a prior diagnostic mammogram, or if a patient has breast cancer.
We interpret diagnostic mammogram in a few ways:
- The area on a screening mammogram is normal, and no further evaluation is needed.
- The area is not cancerous, but the radiologist recommends a four to six-month diagnostic follow up.
- The area of concern is suspicious and a biopsy is required for confirmation.
When will I get my results?
The referring physician will receive a copy of the finalised report within 24 hours of your mammogram.
Breast Ultrasound
A Breast Ultrasound is an imaging modality commonly used to screen or evaluate tumours in the breast.
Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the breast. Because ultrasound does not use radiation, it is considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding patients.
When is a breast ultrasound performed?
Referring physicians may recommend an ultrasound for patients that are under the age of 30, are pregnant, are breastfeeding or have silicone breast implants. Physicians may also recommend a patient have an ultrasound and mammogram if they feel a palpable lump.