Where can I get a mammogram?
Getting a mammogram is free for Ontario residents. There are two ways to book a mammogram:
- Visit your family doctor or nurse practitioner to get a referral for a mammogram.
- You can book one yourself through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). To be eligible for the OBSP, you must be assigned female on your health card and not have breast implants.
Visit your family doctor or nurse practitioner to book a mammogram
Most trans women get a mammogram by getting a referral from their family doctors or nurse practitioners.
If you don’t have a family doctor, call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 TTY: 1-866-797-0007 or Healthcare Connections at 1-800-445-1822 to help you find one. To find an LGBTQ-friendly healthcare provider, visit the Rainbow Health Ontario provider directory.
To ensure that you get a good-quality mammogram, make sure that the screening site you’re visiting has been accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists’ Mammography Accreditation Program by visiting car.ca. You can also call the Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 to find out if your screening site is up to par.
Ontario Breast Screening Program
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) provides high-quality breast cancer screening for people who are both average and high risk. The OBSP, however, currently screens only people who have a “female” designation on their health card, and who do not have breast implants. For these reasons, many trans women in Ontario are not screened through the OBSP.
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) provides high quality breast cancer screening for females who are both average and high risk. Getting a mammogram through OBSP has many advantages:
- You don’t need a referral from your family doctor. You can call up your local OBSP site and book your own appointment.
- High-quality mammograms are ensured at all sites. All OBSP sites have been accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists.
- You get your test results within two weeks of your screening.
- You will get support to set up extra tests or referrals if your results say that you need them.
- You will get a reminder letter when it’s time for your next mammogram, usually every two years.
Eligibility for the Ontario Breast Screening Program
If you’re at average risk, you’re eligible for OBSP screening if you:
- are assigned female on your health card
- are 50 years old or older
- have no acute breast symptoms
- have no personal history of breast cancer
- have no current breast implants
If you’re at high risk for breast cancer, you’re eligible for OBSP screening if you:
- have a referral from your physician
- are between 30 and 69 years of age
- have no acute breast symptoms (e.g.: a lump, abnormal discharge, etc.)
- fall into one of the following risk categories:
- you have a genetic mutation that puts you at a higher risk for breast cancer
- you have a parent, sibling or child who has a genetic mutation that puts you at a higher risk for breast cancer
- you have a family history that indicates a lifetime risk of breast cancer that is great or equal to 25% confirmed through genetic assessment
- you have received radiation therapy to the chest before 30 years of age as treatment for another cancer or condition (e.g., Hodgkin’s disease).
You can book a mammogram yourself by contacting an OBSP site directly. Find your nearest screening facility that meets your access needs. Or you can call their toll free line at 1-800-668-9304 and send questions to breastscreen@cancercare.on.ca.
Visit your family doctor to book a mammogram
If you aren’t eligible for the Ontario Breast Screening Program, you can still get a mammogram by getting a referral from your family doctor.
If you don’t have a family doctor, call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, TTY: 1-866-797-0007 or Health Care Connections at 1-800-445-1822 to help you find one.
To ensure that you get a good quality mammogram, make sure that the screening site you’re visiting has been accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists Mammography Accreditation Program by visiting car.ca. You can also call the Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 to find out if your screening site is up to par.
How will I get the test results?
After a radiologist has examined your x-rays, you will find out about your test results in the following ways:
- If you were referred for your mammogram by your family doctor or nurse practitioner, he or she will hear from the screening site and communicate your test results to you.
- If you were screened through the Ontario Breast Screening Program, and your test results were normal, you will get your test results in the mail two weeks after your mammogram. Your doctor or nurse practitioner will receive a copy of the letter as well.
- If you were screened through the Ontario Breast Screening Program and your test results were inconclusive or further testing is required, you will get a phone call from the program two weeks after your mammogram. Your primary healthcare provider will receive the results as well.
Getting test results back is often nerve-racking. It’s important to take care of yourself when you’re finding out the results. Consider having a friend, family member or partner around when you get your results. Remember, breast cancer for trans women is rare!
If your test results are negative, this means that no signs of breast cancer were found. Most people have a negative (or normal) result after screening. You will receive a letter in two years reminding you that it’s time to get a mammogram again.
If your test results are positive, this means that there are signs of breast cell abnormalities. You’ll need follow-up testing to find out more information about the abnormalities. While this may be scary, it’s important to remember that most people who need further tests do not have breast cancer. Your primary healthcare provider will let you know what follow-up testing you’ll need. He or she, or OBSP staff will make testing appointments.