Book a screening mammogram
Breast screening is for people with no symptoms. A mammogram is the standard test used for routine breast screening. The process takes under 10 minutes and is the most effective way to detect breast cancer before symptoms appear.
You can book your own appointment directly with us if you are a woman, Two-Spirit person, trans person or nonbinary person aged 40 to 74, and you:
- have no new breast symptoms (such as a lump, or skin or nipple changes)
- have a valid Ontario health
- have not had breast cancer
- Have not had a mastectomy (surgery to remove breast tissue)
- If transfeminine, have been using feminizing hormone for five years in a row
- have not had a mammogram in the past 11 months
- are not currently being followed for a breast concern
Two ways to book
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[Online]
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Phone, by calling 613-384-4284 (Toll-Free: 1-800-465-8850)
If you're over 74
You can continue breast screening, but you'll need a referral from your family doctor or nurse practitioner. Talk with them about whether continuing screening is right for you. If you don’t have a family doctor, you can request a referral from KHSC’s Urgent Care Clinic or a walk-in clinic.
High-Risk Screening
A small number of people have a much higher-than-average chance of developing breast cancer. These people are screened through the High-Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program.
Am I at high risk?
You may be eligible for the High-Risk Program if you are aged 30 to 69, have a valid Ontario health card and have no breast symptoms. Your family doctor or nurse practitioner must send a referral to the High-Risk Program. A genetics assessment (which may include testing) is used to determine eligibility.
[Plan your screening appointment]
Diagnostic Breast Imaging
If you have a breast change or symptom, you need a diagnostic assessment. Contact a health care provider, who will send us a referral.
Some changes to get checked include, but are not limited to:
- a lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- a change in the size or shape of your breast
- dimpling, puckering or redness of the skin
- A new inverted nipple, or changes in the skin around it
- Blood or other fluid coming from the nipple that isn't breast milk
Most breast changes turn out not to be cancer. But they all need to be looked at.
How to be seen
- If you have a family doctor or nurse practitioner: book an appointment with them. They'll examine you and send a referral to us if imaging is needed.
- If you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner: go to the KHSC Urgent Care Clinic or a walk-in clinic.
Please note that diagnostic breast assessments cannot be booked directly through Breast Imaging Kingston or OBSP.
