Mammography

the Ontario Breast Screening Program at Erie Shores HealthCare

 

Erie Shores HealthCare offers a comprehensive Mammography Program that provides organized breast screening services.

Our program is designed to help women aged 50 to 74 detect breast cancer early. Even if you're not within the recommended age range or don't qualify for our program, you can still have a mammogram by getting a requisition from your family doctor.

When you come to Erie Shores HealthCare for a mammogram, you can trust that our services are accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists, ensuring high quality and reliability.

 

Self-Referral Mammography 

If you're interested in self-referral for mammography through the Ontario Breast Screening Program, you can easily book your appointment online.

 

 

Here are the eligibility criteria for self-referral mammograms at Erie Shores HealthCare:

  • You must be between the ages of 50 and 74.
  • You should not have breast implants.
  • You should not have a history of previous breast cancer. 


There are two types of mammography available:

  • Screening Mammography: This type is used to look for breast cancer in women who don't have any symptoms. During a screening mammogram, both breasts are examined to find any small lumps or abnormal areas that may not be noticeable by touch. The goal is to detect breast cancer at an early stage. It's important to know that being called back for further tests after a screening mammogram is quite common. According to Cancer Care Ontario (CCO): Out of every 200 women screened in the Ontario Breast Screening Program, about 17 are referred for further tests, and one will have breast cancer. Up to 94% of abnormal screens in average-risk women turn out to be benign (not cancer). A referral is NOT required if you meet eligibility requirements.
  • Diagnostic Mammography: This type is performed when there's a specific breast problem that needs to be diagnosed. It may be initiated based on your observation, your doctor's findings during a breast exam, or as a follow-up to a screening mammogram. Diagnostic mammography takes more time than a screening mammogram because it involves taking detailed images of the breast from different angles. In some cases, an ultrasound may also be conducted. A referral is required.

Erie Shores HealthCare has a dedicated Breast Assessment Program for patients who need further evaluation due to an irregular screening mammogram or specific breast concerns. Our mammography services are conducted in the Diagnostic Imaging department using advanced equipment. During the procedure, you'll stand in front of the mammography machine, and your breast will be positioned on a detector. The technologist will apply controlled pressure with a compression paddle to improve the clarity of the images. Compression also reduces radiation exposure.

The technologist will capture images of your breast from different angles. If you experience discomfort during the x-ray, please inform the technologist. They may be able to adjust the compression to make you more comfortable. A screening mammogram usually takes about 15 minutes, while a diagnostic exam can take up to an hour and may involve an ultrasound of the breast.

For patients enrolled in the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), you'll receive your results by mail from Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), which may take a few weeks. In case the results are inconclusive, our Diagnostic Imaging department will contact you by phone within two business days.

For screening mammogram patients (non-OBSP), the results will be sent to your primary care provider within seven to ten days. Most patients in the Breast Assessment Program (BAP) will receive a preliminary report during their appointment unless a biopsy is necessary.

**On the day of your exam, please avoid using deodorant or powder.

 

Resources 

For additional resources and information, you can refer to:

 

Location

Our Mammography Program is located in the Diagnostic Imaging Department on the ground floor of Erie Shores HealthCare in Leamington.

The address is:

194 Talbot Street E,

Leamington, ON

N8H 1N9.

 

Hours & Contact

You can conveniently register for your mammogram in our Diagnostic Imaging department.

Our Mammography Program operates from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.

For general information, you can call us at 519-326-2373, Ext. 4000.