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PATIENT GUIDE
Mammography
Mammography
What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. It can
find breast cancer in its early stages, even before a
lump can be felt.

The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better chance
of a cure.

Mammograms are called two names – Screening
mammogram and Diagnostic mammogram.
What is a screening mammogram?

Screening mammograms are done on women who do
not have any breast symptoms and who never have
been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Screening mammograms are done to find breast
cancers before they grow large enough to give women
any sign or hint that a cancer may be present.

Screening mammograms are done because breast
cancer is the most common cancer in women.
How do I get a screening mammogram?

You make the appointment yourself. You are not
referred by a doctor. A copy of the screening
mammogram report is sent to your family doctor and
to you.
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
Women aged 40 and up should call 1-800-565-0548 to
make an appointment for a screening mammogram.
You will be asked for your health card number.

Women age 40 - 49 should have a screening mammogram every year.

Women age 50 and over should have a screening
mammogram every 1 to 2 years. The radiologist who
reports your mammogram will recommend when your
next mammogram will be. If you are on hormone replacement therapy (estrogen), or if you have a strong
family history of breast cancer the radiologist will recommend that you come every year for a mammogram.
Where can I have a screening mammogram?

Screening mammograms can be done in the
mammography department at the Diagnostic Imaging
Department at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital and on
the mobile screening van. (Check the mobile van
schedule posted on the Nova Scotia Breast Screening
website to see when the van is in your area).
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What is a diagnostic mammogram?

For women who have any changes from previous
screening mammograms, the Radiologist (x-ray
doctor) may request a diagnostic mammogram,
which is a follow-up from your screening
mammogram.

Women or men who have symptoms such as a lump
in their breast, nipple discharge or skin/nipple
changes need to contact their doctor to be referred
for a diagnostic mammogram.
How do I get a diagnostic mammogram?

You need a referral from your doctor. Your doctor
must fill out a requisition and send it to the
Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program booking
office.
Where can I have a diagnostic mammogram?

Diagnostic mammograms are done in the
mammography department at the Yarmouth Regional
Hospital. They are not done on the mobile van.
How should I prepare for a mammogram?

Do not apply deodorant, cream or powder the day of
your exam as it may give a false reading of the x-ray
image.
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
To decrease tenderness during the exam, it is
suggested that you book your mammogram within
the ten days after your period starts.

Do not drink any caffeine products for 1-2 weeks before your mammogram to reduce tenderness during
your exam.

Arrive 20 minutes before you appointment.
Positioning For a Mammogram
Image Retrieved from:
http://www.abcf.org/msadmin/user_images/mammogram.gif
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What should I expect during a mammogram?

You will be asked to change in a hospital gown.

The technologist will bring you into the room and
explain the test.

Your breast will be placed on a x-ray machine. A
plastic paddle will compress on your breast. This
compression is very important to see small details of
the breast tissue and to decrease motion.

A series of images will be taken of both breasts.
Diagnostic mammograms may be shown to the
radiologist (x-ray doctor). Extra images may be
taken, this does not necessarily indicate any
abnormality.

For further investigation of any changes from
previous mammograms, the Radiologist (x-ray
doctor) may suggest a follow-up mammogram
(diagnostic mammogram), an ultrasound, a breast
MRI, a guided needle biopsy, or a fine wire
localization biopsy. (For
more information on
these procedures see patient guides available in the
x-ray department or on our SWNDHA website.)
How long does a mammogram take?

Approximately 10-20 minutes
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Mammography equipment
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The technologists are unable to give test results. Your doctor
will receive a copy of the report within approximately 1 week.
If you have any questions, concerns or if you are unable to keep
your appointment, please do not hesitate to call the Nova Scotia
Breast Screening office toll free at 1-800-565-0548.
Diagnostic Imaging Department
Yarmouth Regional Hospital
60 Vancouver Street
Yarmouth, NS
B5A 2P5
Patient Guides available on
http://www.swndha.nshealth.ca/pages/guides.htm
SWH promotes a smoke free and scent free environment.
No scent is good sense
Prepared by – Diagnostic Imaging Department, SWH.
Revised November 2014
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