It is recommended that women age 40-49 should have a mammogram once every year, while women in their 50s, 60s, and 70s should have a mammogram once every two years.
To book your Screening Mammogram
- In the Lower Mainland, call: 604-775-0022.
- For the rest of BC, call: 1-800-663-9203 (toll-free)
- Please have your Care Card number available (this is a free service)
- At the time of your visit we will need the name and contact information of your family physician. If you do not have a family physician, please let our booking clerks know when you call to make your appointment. To search for a physician, you can access the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC Directory by clicking here.
- If possible, schedule the mammogram when your breasts are least sensitive (e.g., 10 days after your period). Some women find it is helpful to avoid caffeine several days before an exam.
On the day of your appointment
- Please wear a two-piece outfit (you will be asked to undress from the waist up)
- Do not use deodorant, talcum powder, creams or lotions on your breasts or underarms. These products leave a residue that can make it difficult to read your mammogram.
- Please do not wear perfume. Many of our screening centres are scent-free areas.
- Please check in at reception, you will be asked to complete a short health form - the form helps us assess your current health status.
The mammogram is done in complete privacy. The X-ray Technologist will take two x-rays of each breast (4 x-rays in total) - one view from top to bottom and the other view from side-to-side. Your breast will be compressed by a plastic plate as the x-ray is taken.
Compression of the breast with a plastic plate allows us to get the best possible image with the least amount of radiation. Compression may be uncomfortable but it only lasts for a few seconds and is not harmful to the breast.
The technologist is available throughout the exam to answer any of your questions.