Whether you’re coming to Breast Imaging Kingston for a routine screening mammogram or further breast imaging, knowing what to expect can make your visit a little easier.
Here’s what you need to know before, during and after your appointment.
Getting to Breast Imaging Kingston
Breast Imaging Kingston is located in Kingston’s east end at 820 John Marks Ave. and has free parking available on site.
BIK is also conveniently located near a Kingston Transit bus stop.
When you arrive
Please arrive at the time specified by the clerical team when booking your appointment. You will need to allow time for registering at the front desk and changing.
Bring your Ontario health card with you. If you are having an assessment or diagnostic appointment, you may also be asked to bring information about your medications and previous breast imaging. Bring a bag for your belongings as you will not be able to leave them in the changing room.
If you have had mammograms at another location, let the BIK team know. Comparing your current images with previous mammograms can help the radiologist identify changes in your breast tissue. If your previous images are not already available, you may need to arrange for them to be transferred.
Preparing for your mammogram
There is no special preparation or fasting required for a routine mammogram.
A few things can make your appointment easier and help ensure clear images.
On the day of your mammogram
- Wear a two-piece outfit. You will need to remove your clothing from the waist up, so wearing a top with pants or a skirt makes changing easier.
- Do not use products on your chest or underarms. Avoid deodorant, antiperspirant, body lotion, cream or talcum powder on your breasts or under your arms on the day of your mammogram. These products can show up on the mammogram and affect the images.
- Consider when to book your appointment. If your breasts are usually tender around your period, you may find a mammogram more comfortable at another time in your cycle.
- Tell us if you have concerns. If you have breast implants, are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or have a specific breast concern, let the technologist know before your examination.
- Tell us if you have any mobility issues, need translation servcies or any other supports.
What happens during your mammogram?
A mammogram uses a low dose of X-ray to create images of your breast tissue.
A medical radiation technologist will position one breast at a time on the mammography machine. A clear plastic plate will gently compress your breast for a few seconds while the image is taken.
Compression can feel uncomfortable or tight, but it should only last for a few seconds and does not harm your breast tissue. Let your technologist know if you are experiencing significant discomfort. They can work with you to make the examination as comfortable as possible.
Images are generally taken from two different angles for each breast. 2-3 images are taken of each breast.
A routine mammogram appointment usually takes about 10 minutes.
After screening
Once your images have been taken, you can return to your normal activities. There is no recovery period after a routine mammogram.
Your images will be reviewed by a radiologist (a doctor who specializes in interpreting medical imaging).
If your mammogram is normal
If you have a normal screening mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program, Ontario Health will send you a letter with your results and information about when you should be screened again. Your primary care provider will also receive your screening results.
Your results letter will also include information about your breast density.
To learn more about breast density, click here.
If you need more testing
You may be called back for additional testing. This does not mean you have breast cancer.
Most people who receive an abnormal screening result do not have breast cancer. Learn more about breast assessment here.
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer or a lesion which requires further surgical management (but not cancer)
If testing confirms a breast cancer diagnosis, you will not have to navigate what comes next on your own. Your healthcare team, which may include a your primary care provider, a surgeon and or and oncologist, will explain your results and arrange the next steps in your care. This may include additional testing to better understand the cancer, followed by appointments with the specialists involved in your treatment.
Your care team will talk with you about your options and develop a treatment plan based on your individual diagnosis and needs.
