Ontario breast screening program

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+1 (416) 531 – 1128

Ontario breast screening program2026-07-24T11:17:17-04:00

REGULAR BREAST SCREENING IS IMPORTANT

From October 8, 2024, the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) expands the screening program to people ages 40 to 49. This means that Ontarians (women, Two-Spirit people, trans people, nonbinary people and women with breast implants) can begin routine breast screening (Mammograms) without a referral between the ages of 40 and 74 if they:

+1 (416) 531-1128

  • Have no breast cancer symptoms

  • Have no personal history of breast cancer
  • Have not had a mastectomy (surgery to remove breast tissue)
  • Have not had a screening mammogram within the last 11 months

  • If transfeminine, have used feminizing hormones for at least 5 years in a row

Annex Medical Imaging - Mammography

Patient Information

Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system for examination of the breasts. Most medical experts agree that successful treatment of breast cancer often is linked to early diagnosis. Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.

Mammography is a specialized X-ray imaging test used to examine the breasts. It helps detect breast cancer and other breast abnormalities, often before symptoms develop.

  • Screen for breast cancer in people without symptoms.
  • Investigate breast changes such as a lump, pain, nipple discharge, or skin changes.
  • Monitor breast health in individuals at higher risk of breast cancer.

  • Each breast is placed on a flat support plate and gently compressed with a plastic paddle.
  • Images are taken from different angles.
  • The procedure usually takes 10–20 minutes, with compression lasting only a few seconds for each image.

Yes. Mammography is considered a safe and effective imaging test. It uses a very low dose of X-ray radiation, and the benefits of detecting breast cancer early generally outweigh the small risks associated with radiation exposure.

Safety Points

  • The radiation dose is very low and is carefully controlled to produce high-quality images while minimizing exposure.
  • Breast compression may cause temporary discomfort, but it is necessary to obtain clear images and reduce the radiation dose.
  • Mammography is routinely used worldwide for breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
  • If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your healthcare provider before the examination. Although the radiation dose is low, alternative imaging may be considered unless the test is medically necessary.
  • Individuals with breast implants can safely undergo mammography, but the technologist should be informed beforehand so that appropriate imaging techniques can be used.

Overall, mammography is a safe procedure that plays a vital role in the early detection of breast cancer, improving treatment options and outcomes.

  • Exposure to a very low dose of radiation.
  • Temporary discomfort or mild pain from breast compression.
  • False-positive or false-negative results may occur, requiring additional imaging or follow-up.

 

  • Avoid using deodorants, powders, lotions, or perfumes on the chest or underarms on the day of the exam, as they may affect the images.
  • Wear a two-piece outfit for convenience.
  • Inform the healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have breast implants, or have had previous breast surgery.
  • Bring prior mammogram images or reports if available.

  • Detects breast cancer at an early, more treatable stage.
  • Can identify small tumors before they can be felt.
  • Reduces breast cancer mortality through early detection.

  • You can return to your normal activities immediately.
  • A radiologist reviews the images, and the results are sent to your healthcare provider.
  • Additional imaging or tests may be recommended if an abnormality is detected.

Common Types of X-Rays

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+1 (416) 531 – 1128

Most people in this age group who decide to get screened for breast cancer should get screened with mammography every 2 years

Cancer-care
If you are not eligible for the Ontario Breast Screening Program but are interested in breast cancer screening, discuss your options with your family doctor or nurse practitioner.

If you are ages 40 to 49, we encourage you to make an informed decision about whether to get screened for breast cancer. Talk with your family doctor, your nurse practitioner or a Health811 navigator about:

  • your personal risk of getting breast cancer
  • the potential benefits and potential harms of breast cancer screening

  • what matters most to you in taking care of your health

Visit cancercareontario.ca/breast to find your closest screening site and for more information about the Ontario Breast Screening Program. To book your mammogram, call 1.800.668.9304. A referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner is not required.

Need this information in an accessible format?
1-877-280-8538, TTY 1-800-855-0511, info@ontariohealth.ca

Screening during pregnancy and lactation

Screening with mammography during pregnancy is safe and effective. If you do not want to get screened while you are pregnant, you can start screening 3 months after giving birth, even if you are still lactating.

Contact your family doctor or nurse practitioner if you notice any changes in your breasts (chest), such as a lump or redness that does not go away, or changes to your nipple. Also, the effects of pregnancy or breastfeeding can hide the symptoms of breast cancer or cause them to be overlooked, so it is important to be aware of them. Changes to the breast (chest) are not always caused by cancer, but they should be checked right away.


Guide To A Better

breast screening Experience

Mammogram Preparation

  • If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
  • Before scheduling a mammogram it is recommended that you discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition, inform your doctor of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.
  • Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time to schedule is one week after your period. Always inform your doctor, radiologist, and x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
  • 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 x-ray film as “calcification”.
  • Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
  • Ask when your results will be available; do not assume the results are normal if you do not hear from your doctor.
Mammography

Related links | More information on when to get screened

Cancer Care Ontario (CCO)

Breast cancer screening: https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer/screening

Mammogram frequently asked questions:https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer/screening/mammogram-faq

My CancerIQ: https://www.mycanceriq.ca/

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) recommends that most women ages 40 to 74 get screened every two years with mammography.

Please review the document for instructions on “How to prepare” for your upcoming test.

How to Prepare

Frequently asked Questions

Can men have mammograms?2025-09-08T17:05:57-04:00

Yes, although breast cancer is less common in men, mammograms can be used for breast cancer screening in men with specific risk factors or symptoms.

Is mammography safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?2025-09-08T17:05:31-04:00

Mammography is generally safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding if medically necessary, although precautions may be taken to minimize radiation exposure.

Can mammography detect all types of breast cancer?2025-09-08T17:04:59-04:00

While mammography is highly effective, it may not detect all breast cancers, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. Additional imaging or screening methods may be recommended in such cases.

What if my mammogram results are abnormal?2025-09-08T17:04:43-04:00

An abnormal result may require further testing, such as additional imaging or a biopsy, to determine if cancer or other breast abnormalities are present.

Are there any risks associated with mammography?2025-09-08T17:03:55-04:00

Mammography involves exposure to low doses of radiation, but the benefits of early cancer detection far outweigh the risks.

Does a mammogram hurt?2025-09-08T17:03:08-04:00

The compression of the breast during a mammogram may cause temporary discomfort or mild pain for some women, but it’s usually brief.

How often should I have a mammogram?2025-09-08T17:02:51-04:00

The frequency of mammograms depends on individual risk factors and medical guidelines, but typically, women should have them annually or biennially starting at age 40.

what age should I start getting mammograms?2025-09-08T17:02:26-04:00

Guidelines vary, but generally, women should start getting regular mammograms at age 40 or earlier if they have specific risk factors.

How is a mammogram performed?2025-09-08T17:01:32-04:00

During a mammogram, the breast is compressed between two plates while X-ray images are taken from different angles.

Why is mammography important?2025-09-08T17:01:07-04:00

Mammography is vital for early detection of breast cancer, which significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.

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