Mammogram

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Mammogram

A low-dose x-ray picture of your breast is taken to look for abnormal changes of the breast. This should be done by an experienced and specially trained x-ray technologist. Ask if the mammography department is accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR). This means the department meets quality standards for breast mammograms.

Digital Mammography

Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it in a computer. It uses less radiation than regular mammograms. Women under 50, women with greater breast tissue density and peri-menopausal women of any age would benefit from digital mammography.

Special Views

Extra mammogram x-rays are taken with specialized equipment. Special views may include an enlarged picture (called a magnification view) or an enlarged picture of a specific area where the lump or breast change is seen (called a magnification cone compression).

What can I expect?

You will stand in front of a x-ray machine with your breast on a plastic plate.
A second plastic plate will be pressed down slowly to flatten the breast. It will hold the breast in place for a few seconds.
Two pictures of each breast will be taken.

How can I prepare?

You will be asked to undress from the waist up. It is easier if you wear a two-piece outfit.
Do not use powder, deodorant or lotions before the test (metals in these products can show up on the x-ray picture).

My sister was diagnosed in 1996. She's doing well, cancer free, living every day to its fullest. I think of her and don't put off anything anymore. It has brought our family so much closer together. We show our emotions and are living a healthier lifestyle because of this.
Linda, Mattawa

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