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If you live in Ontario and you are between 40 and 74, there is a good chance you can book a mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) without asking anyone for permission. No doctor’s order, no referral, and no cost to you. Yet many people are not sure whether they qualify, how often they should go, or where to start. This guide walks through the eligibility rules published by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) in plain language, so you can decide on your next step with confidence. If you are searching for an OBSP mammogram in Toronto, this guide also explains how to book at Annex Medical Imaging.

The Short Answer

Since October 8, 2024, Ontario has lowered the starting age for breast cancer screening to 40. If you are 40 to 74, have no new breast cancer symptoms, and meet the other program criteria listed below, you can self-refer to any OBSP location. You do not need a referral from your doctor. You can learn more on the Ontario Health breast cancer screening page or call the OBSP booking line at 1-800-668-9304.

What Is the Ontario Breast Screening Program?

The OBSP is a publicly funded screening program that encourages people in Ontario to get screened for breast cancer. Screening means being checked for a disease before you have any symptoms. The goal of breast cancer screening is to find cancer early, when treatment has a better chance of working. The program uses mammography, which is a low-dose X-ray picture of the breast.

According to Ontario Health, there are more than 240 OBSP locations across the province, so in most communities there is a site within reach. The program serves women, Two-Spirit people, trans people and nonbinary people who meet the eligibility criteria.

Who Is Eligible for Screening in the OBSP?

For people at average risk, Ontario Health lists the following criteria. You can self-refer if you:

  • are between the ages of 40 and 74;
  • have no new breast cancer symptoms;
  • have no personal history of breast cancer;
  • have not had a mastectomy;
  • have not had a screening mammogram within the last 11 months; and
  • if you are transfeminine, have used feminizing hormones for at least 5 years in a row.

If you do not meet one of these criteria, it does not mean you cannot get care. It means the OBSP may not be the right pathway, and you should speak with a health care provider about the best way to be assessed.

Quick eligibility checklist
  • Age 40 to 74? Yes means you can keep going through the checklist.
  • Any new breast symptoms? If yes, contact your health care provider promptly instead of booking a screening mammogram.
  • Ever had breast cancer or a mastectomy? If yes, the average-risk OBSP is not the right pathway. Talk to your care team.
  • Screening mammogram in the last 11 months? If yes, wait until you are due.
  • Transfeminine? Confirm that you have used feminizing hormones for at least 5 years in a row.

Eligibility by Age Group

Your age shapes how screening works. Select a tab to see what applies to you.

Ontario Health encourages people in their forties to talk with their health care provider or a Health811 navigator about their personal risk of breast cancer and the potential benefits and potential harms of screening. Most people in this age group who decide to get screened should be screened with mammography every 2 years. Because the decision is personal, Ontario Health offers a fact sheet for people ages 40 to 49 to help you decide if screening is right for you. Read the ages 40 to 49 page here, and take the My CancerIQ breast cancer risk questionnaire if you would like a personalized starting point.

For people ages 50 to 74, the OBSP recommends that most people get screened every 2 years with mammography. Regular screening is most helpful when it becomes a routine, like a dental check-up or a flu shot. Many sites will send a reminder when you are due, but it is worth putting the date in your own calendar too.

Ontario Health encourages people who are 75 or older to talk with their health care provider about whether to continue screening. To continue screening through the OBSP, a referral is required from a primary care provider.

Some people have a higher chance of developing breast cancer, for example because of certain gene variants such as BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53 or PALB2, or because of past radiation to the chest. People ages 30 to 69 who meet the criteria can be screened through the High Risk OBSP with a referral from a health care provider. High Risk OBSP screening is done every year with both mammography and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a screening breast ultrasound if MRI is not medically appropriate.

If you think you may be at higher risk, speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner. They can confirm whether you meet the criteria and make the referral.

How Often Should You Be Screened?

  • Average risk: every 2 years with mammography.
  • High risk (ages 30 to 69, with referral): every year with mammography and MRI, or breast ultrasound if MRI is not medically appropriate.

Screening is not meant for people who have new symptoms. Changes such as a lump, dimpling, nipple changes, redness or skin changes should be reported to a health care provider right away, whatever your age and whenever you last had a mammogram.

How to Book Your Mammogram

  1. Confirm you meet the criteria using the checklist above.
  2. Find a location. Use Ontario Health’s wait times tool: choose Breast Screening (Mammogram) Wait Times, then search by city or postal code.
  3. Call to book. Contact an OBSP location directly or call the Appointment Booking Line at 1-800-668-9304.
  4. Attend your appointment and watch for your results letter in the mail.

Booking directly with us? Contact Annex Medical Imaging at (416) 531-1128. We can help you confirm your eligibility over the phone.

Is a Mammogram Really Free?

Yes. The OBSP is publicly funded, which means eligible participants do not pay for their screening mammogram. Mammograms are considered safe. They use a low dose of radiation, and Ontario Health notes that the benefits of screening and finding cancer early are more important than any potential harm from the X-ray.

Screening for 2SLGBTQ+ Communities

Two-Spirit, trans and nonbinary people may be screened in the OBSP if they meet all eligibility criteria. Transfeminine people who have used feminizing hormones for at least 5 years in a row and are otherwise eligible may be screened. Transmasculine people who have not had top surgery to remove breast or chest tissue and are otherwise eligible may also be screened. Learn more in our dedicated post on breast and chest screening for Two-Spirit, trans and nonbinary people.

Related Reading

  • When Should You Get Your First Mammogram in Ontario? OBSP Age & Eligibility Guidelines
  • Mammography and preparation
  • Ultrasound vs. X-Ray vs. Mammogram: Which Imaging Test Do You Actually Need?
  • Breast cancer screening guidelines

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need a referral from my doctor to get a mammogram?

    If you are between 40 and 74 and meet the program criteria, you do not need a referral or an order from your doctor. You can contact an OBSP location directly. A referral is required for the High Risk OBSP (ages 30 to 69) and to continue screening at age 75 or older.

    At what age can I start breast cancer screening in Ontario?

    Since October 8, 2024, people in Ontario can self-refer to the OBSP starting at age 40. Ontario Health encourages people ages 40 to 49 to discuss the benefits and harms of screening with a health care provider or Health811 navigator first.

    How often do I need a mammogram?

    Most people at average risk who decide to be screened should have a mammogram every 2 years. People screened through the High Risk OBSP are screened every year.

    What if I have a lump or other breast symptoms?

    A screening mammogram is for people without new breast cancer symptoms. If you notice a lump, dimpling, nipple changes, redness or other skin changes, contact your health care provider right away.

    I had a mammogram recently. Can I book another one?

    The OBSP asks that you have not had a screening mammogram within the last 11 months. If you are not sure when your last one was, ask the OBSP site when you call.

    Are trans and nonbinary people eligible for OBSP screening?

    Yes, if they meet the eligibility criteria. Transfeminine people should have used feminizing hormones for at least 5 years in a row, and transmasculine people should not have had top surgery to remove breast or chest tissue. No documentation, such as a hormone prescription, is required to prove eligibility.

    How will I get my results?

    Ontario Health notes that the OBSP notifies participants of normal results by mail and also sends results to the participant’s primary care provider. If more tests are needed, the screening site notifies your primary care provider and may help schedule a timely follow-up appointment.

    Where can I find a screening location and the current wait time?

    Use the Ontario Health wait times tool, select Breast Screening (Mammogram) Wait Times and search by city or postal code, or call 1-800-668-9304.

    Key Takeaways

    • Ontario lowered the starting age for breast cancer screening to 40 on October 8, 2024.
    • People ages 40 to 74 who meet the criteria can self-refer to any OBSP location. No doctor’s referral is needed.
    • Most people at average risk who choose screening should have a mammogram every 2 years.
    • The High Risk OBSP (ages 30 to 69) requires a referral and includes yearly mammography and MRI.
    • New symptoms should always be checked by a health care provider promptly.
    Helpful Links and Resources

    OBSP appointment booking line: 1-800-668-9304.

    Book Your Screening Mammogram in Toronto

    Ready to book, or have questions about your eligibility? Contact Annex Medical Imaging at (416) 531-1128, or call the OBSP Appointment Booking Line at 1-800-668-9304. Learn more about mammography (OBSP) at Annex Medical Imaging.

    Book Your Appointment

    This article is for general information only and is based on information published by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) as of September 2026. It is not medical advice. Screening recommendations can change, so please confirm current details with the Ontario Health links above and speak with your health care provider about your personal situation.

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