How to Prepare for a Mammogram -Information Sheet

View how-to video here:

How to Prepare for a Breast Ultrasound-Information Sheet

Screening Recall: A Screening Recall is when you’re called back after a screening mammogram for a closer look and more detailed images. The results of a screen recall will be one of the following:

• The radiologist might reassure you that no further testing is needed. This information will be sent to your healthcare provider and you can return to routine screening mammograms if you are part of the OBSP.
• We will continue to follow you more closely for a period of time.
• The findings appear potentially worrisome and the radiologist will recommend that you have a biopsy (removing some of the breast tissue through a needle so that a pathologist can look at this tissue under the microscope) and/ or further imaging such as an MRI. A biopsy can be done under the guidance of ultrasound or a mammogram.

New Breast Symptom: Common changes or symptoms in the breast can include lumps, skin changes, nipple changes and nipple discharge. You will be scheduled for a mammogram, breast ultrasound andor breast biopsy.

The results from assessment of a new symptom will be one of the following:

• The findings may be normal or benign, in which case we will reassure you and provide this information to your referring healthcare provider.
• We will continue to follow you more closely for a period of time.
• The findings appear potentially worrisome and the radiologist will recommend that you have a biopsy (removing some of the breast tissue through a needle so that a pathologist can look at this tissue under the microscope) and/or further imaging such as an MRI

During a biopsy, a small sample of suspicious tissue is removed by a needle so that the tissue can be examined under a microscope.  A biopsy can be done under the guidance of ultrasound or a mammogram.

All individuals who have a breast biopsy are reviewed by the Breast Assessment Centre team the following week.

• If a biopsy reveals normal tissue that is not cancer, you will return to routine screening through the Ontario Breast Screening Program or return to your referring healthcare provider if you are not eligible for the OBSP.
• If a biopsy reveals a diagnosis of benign breast disease that might require surgery, you will be recommended to meet with a surgeon to discuss your options
• If a biopsy reveals a diagnosis of cancer, the recommendation in most cases is to meet with a surgeon. We will work with your healthcare provider to ensure that this happens.
• In rare cases, we might recommend a second biopsy or further imaging before making a final recommendation.

Going Home after a Breast Biopsy Information Sheet

If you need to be seen for a surgical consult at the CIBC Breast Assessment Centre, a nurse navigator will contact you to confirm your appointment and provide information about what to expect.  We will work to ensure that you see the next available surgeon as soon as possible.

• Breast Surgery Information Sheet
• Breast Cancer Surgery Brochure
• Breast Cancer Surgery for Men
• Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy

What to expect from a Seed Localization- Information Sheet

If you’ve been referred to the Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic and/or have questions about what to expect at this type of consultation, click here for more information.

• Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome Information Sheet
• Click here to Learn more about genetic testing

What can I expect as a new patient to the JCC- Information Sheet