Rouge Valley Health System has a state-of-the art Breast Imaging Centre, providing a safe, low-dose X-Ray procedure to detect abnormalities in the breast tissue, often before they can be felt by the patient. We strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment, which respects the need for dignity, privacy and information. Patients require a referral from their physician to access this service.

Our department is fully accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists.

Going digital

The newest additions to the diagnostic imaging departments at both Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering and Rouge Valley Centenary hospital campuses are cutting-edge digital mammography systems. The GE Senographe digital mammography system provides physicians with clear, all-digital images that are ready to read within 10 seconds. This means that film will no longer be used. This system provides the largest field of view currently available, which can be extremely helpful for precision imaging of patients with diverse shapes and sizes. Images are stored and can be burned to CDs when necessary for specialist appointments. Thanks to these machines, appointment times have been shortened, more patients are seen in a day, and wait times for mammograms have been greatly reduced.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a safe, low-dose X-ray procedure used to detect abnormalities in breast tissue, often before they can be felt. The procedure usually lasts 15 minutes. There are two kinds of mammograms:

1. A screening mammogram is used for asymptomatic women aged 40 and older. It consists of two views of each breast, and is uncomfortable but not painful.

2. A diagnostic mammogram is used for women and men who have an existing symptom, such as a palpable mass, pain or nipple discharge. It consists of two views of each breast, as well as additional magnification or compression views and breast ultrasound. Usually this additional imaging can be accommodated on the same day.

Related Services

At Rouge Valley, we also provide assessments for patients who have had a screening mammogram at another facility, and are referred for a "work up" that may include compression views, magnification views and breast ultrasound.

Stereotactic breast biopsy is recommended for patients who have had an abnormality diagnosed from screening and are referred by a surgeon.

Patient preparation

• Bring all previous films done outside our facility.

• Do not wear deodorant or powders on the day of your examination

• If you do not speak English, please arrange to have a translator present, otherwise your test may need to be re-scheduled.

• Refer to the back of your requisition or ask your physician if there are any other specific preparations required for your procedure.

Patient resources

• Wire Localization patient brochure

• Stereotactic Biopsy patient brochure

Contact information

• Toll-free booking line: 1-866-752-6989 or 416-281-7299

• Toll-free fax line: 1-866-752-6990 or 416-281-7493

• Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering: 905-683-2320 ext. 1129

• Rouge Valley Centenary: 416-284-8131 ext. 4888