Mammography is the process of using low-dose X-rays to image breast tissue, with the focus on early detection of breast cancer. Comprehensive mammography services are available at both the BMO Breast Diagnostic Clinic (BDC), part of the Karen, Heather and Lynn Steinberg Breast Centre, and at the Outpatient and Community Services Centre. The hospital is an accredited site of the Ontario Breast Screening Program.
At North York General, we provide digital mammography, which is a specialized form of mammography using digital receptors and computers instead of X-ray film. Our digital equipment also offers tomosynthesis capability which creates a 3-dimensional picture of the breast. We are proud to have been the first site in Ontario to utilize tomosynthesis diagnostically.
Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP)
The North York General Hospital Outpatient and Community Services Centre OBSP site is accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists – Mammography Accreditation Program. Benefits of the Ontario Breast Screening Program:
The program offers screening to two different groups of people who qualify for breast cancer screening:
people ages 40 to 74 at average risk for breast cancer
people ages 30 to 69 at high risk for breast cancer
Benefits include:
Reminder letters are sent out for your next appointment.
Breast screening can find cancer early. Finding breast cancer early saves lives.
Location, Hours and Contact
General site
Karen, Heather and Lynn Steinberg Breast Centre
4001 Leslie St, North York, ON M2K 1E1
Hours
Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Outpatient and Community Services Centre
Breast Imaging, including Ontario Breast
Screening Program (OBSP)
2 Champagne Drive, North York, ON M3J 2C5
Hours
Monday and Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Finding us is easy. See video below for directions.
You can drop off previous imaging results such as a mammograms or breast ultrasounds, in a brown box in the South Lobby of the General site, near the information desk. Alternatively you can bring them to your imaging appointment.
Please do not use deodorant, anti-perspirant, or powder on chest or underarms. These small particles may show up on mammogram.
We also recommend wearing a comfortable top and bottoms.
Contrast Enhanced Mammography
Same instructions as Mammography prep above
Patient to arrive 30 minutes before the exam
If you have diabetes or kidney disease, your blood work must include a serum creatinine test. Your doctor should ensure that your blood work is completed within the three months before your mammogram.
If your blood work is outdated or missing the required information, the receptionist or technologist may ask you to visit your clinic or referring physician to arrange for a new test. Your mammogram will be rescheduled accordingly.
Some mammograms require an injection of contrast dye. A technologist will place a needle in a vein in your arm or hand just before the scan to administer the contrast, which enhances the visibility of blood vessels and provides additional details for the radiologist.
If you have had a previous reaction to contrast dye, you will need pre-medication. Your referring doctor will provide a prescription, and it is essential to take the medication as directed for your safety.
If your appointment is scheduled at Outpatient and Community Services Centre, 2 Champagne Drive, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
If your appointment is scheduled at NYGH General Site, 4001 Leslie St, please arrive 1 hour prior and register at the Main Registration Desk across from the Breast Diagnostic Centre (BDC) before proceeding into the BDC.
You will be asked to undress from the waist up and handed a gown to wear for the procedure
The time you spend at your appointment will vary depending on the type of imaging test you are having. For example:
Mammograms and ultrasounds can take about one hour or longer, depending on the complexity of the exam
Biopsies and pre-operative needle localizations usually range from 45 to 60 minutes
During the test, your breasts are positioned on a breast support platform. A plastic paddle compresses your breasts from above while X-ray images are taken.
There may be some discomfort for a few seconds during the compression; however, compression is necessary to obtain the clearest possible picture with the least amount of radiation.
After a mammogram, you can return to normal activities immediately
After a biopsy and contrast enhanced mammogram, you may need to stay an extra 15 minutes for observation
After a biopsy, we will give you instructions on how to take care of yourself post procedure
The results of your mammogram will be sent to your physician within five to seven business days. Your physician will review the test results with you.
Your report can also be accessed through MyChart and PocketHealth two weeks after your test.
