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Breast Health Services

We offer two services: Screening Mammography and Diagnostic Services
Our services

Screening Mammography

We offer screening mammograms, which are the best way to find early breast cancer. The earlier a cancer is detected, the more options you have for treatment and the better chance you have for a cure. BC Cancer recommends that women aged 40 to 79 with no signs of a breast problem (such as lumps, nipple discharge, etc.) have a screening mammogram at least every two years.


You do not need a referral for a mammogram if you are over 40 years old. Click on the appointment tab for how to book an appointment.


For more information about eligibility, visit BC Cancer Breast Screening.

Diagnostic Services

Please note that a physician or nurse practitioner referral is required for this service.

Our Diagnostic Services offer specialized medical imaging to women who have had a new abnormality identified by:
a) a screening mammogram, or 
b) examination by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

For women who have had the abnormality detected by their screening mammogram, the referral will be fast-tracked to diagnostic services, and no additional referral is required. 


Diagnostic imaging services include:

Diagnostic mammogram & ultrasound, galactogram (mammoductography), biopsy, fine wire localization, fine needle aspiration, and cyst aspiration.


If you are scheduled for one of our diagnostic services above and you have questions about it, please contact our breast imaging nurse at 604-875-2000, local 2107.

 
Appointments

Screening Mammography Appointments

  • Call 604-775-0022 to book an appointment.
  • If long distance, call (toll free) 1-800-663-9203
When calling to book an appointment, please have your BC Care Card or personal health number ready, and the name and contact information of your primary care provider so we can follow up if needed. This could be your family doctor, nurse-practitioner, naturopath or a walk-in clinic.

Appointment times:

Monday 11:00am – 6:40pm
Tuesday 9:00am – 4:40pm 
Wednesday 8:00am – 4:40pm 
Thursday 8:00am – 3:40pm 
Friday 8:00am – 3:40pm

‎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.
  • 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 mammography 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. 
  • Tip: For sensitive breasts: schedule the mammogram when your breasts are least sensitive (e.g. 10 days after your period), or consider taking an over-the-counter pain relief pill about an hour before the exam. Some women find caffeine increases breast sensitivity.
  • The technologist is available throughout the exam to answer any of your questions.

Diagnostic Services

You need a referral from a doctor or nurse-practitioner for our Diagnostic Service.

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SOURCE: Breast Health Services ( )
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