Mammography (Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital, Queensway Health Centre)
Description of Service
A mammogram is a procedure that uses low-dose x-rays to image the breasts/chest. Mammograms are used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women and men.
Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in people experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in people experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.
Mammograms are performed by Medical Radiation Technologists with specific training in mammography.
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is offered at all Trillium Health Partners locations.
Preparation for Visit
How to Prepare for Your Procedure
The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period.
Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time.
Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes for your appointment.
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.
Wear a two piece outfit.
Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
What to Expect from Your Procedure
A specially qualified radiology technologist will position your breast in the mammography unit.
Your breast will be placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle (often made of clear Plexiglas or other plastic). The technologist will gradually compress your breast.
You will be asked to change positions between images. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and a side view. The process will be repeated for the other breast.
You must hold very still and may be asked to hold your breath a few seconds while the x-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image.
The technologist will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the x-ray machine.
The examination process should take about 30 minutes.
How It Works
The mammogram compresses the breast to even out the breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be visualized and hold it still to minimize blurring of the image caused by movement.
Spreading out the tissue makes it less likely for small abnormalities to be obscured by overlying breast tissue
It also allows the use of a lower x-ray dose since a thinner amount of breast tissue is being imaged.
Please note that due to the high number of patient visits to our hospital every day, you may experience clinic wait times and a delay in finding parking. We encourage you to arrive early and allow for extra time on the day of your appointment. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the appointment will be rescheduled to another day. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.
Education & Additional Information
Who We Help
Women Eligible for Screening in the OBSP:
Ontario residents
40 years of age and over
No acute breast symptoms
No personal history of breast cancer
Please note: Patients who have had a previous mammogram through their family physician or are already in the OBSP program, it must have been at least 1 year since their last mammogram to qualify.
Hours of Operation
Credit Valley Hospital
Monday - Fri: 7: 30 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mississauga Hospital
Monday - Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Queensway Health Centre
Monday + Thursday: 7:30 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday/Sunday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location
Diagnostic Imaging
Women's Imaging and Assessment Centre
Credit Valley Hospital
2200 Eglinton Ave. W.
Mississauga, Ontario L5M 2N1
Diagnostic Imaging
Mississauga Hospital
100 Queensway W
Mississauga, ON L5B 1B8
Diagnostic Imaging
Betty Wallace Imaging Clinic
Queensway Health Centre
150 Sherway Dr
Etobicoke, ON M9C 1A5
Contact Information
Credit Valley Hospital
Phone Number: 905-813-2731
Mississauga Hospital
Phone Number: 416-521-4069
Queensway Health Centre
Phone Number: 416-521-4069
Referral Process
A referral from a doctor may be required.
