For Patients · Women’s Health · Mammography
Mammography
The standard for
early detection.
Mammography is a specialized, low-dose X-ray of the breast and remains the established standard for breast cancer screening. It can detect changes in breast tissue at a stage when they are too small to be felt by hand — making it one of the most important tools in early detection.
Appointment
X-ray
Detection
Screening
Who it is for
When a mammogram is ordered.
Mammography is the standard for early breast screening. It is used to:
Detecting change before it can be felt.
Looking into a lump, pain or other change.
Taking a closer look after another test.
Establishing a reference for future comparison.
Am I a candidate
Is this scan right for me?
Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to find breast change early, often before it can be felt. It is the foundation of breast screening; your physician advises on timing for your situation.
Most scans need a requisition from your physician or nurse practitioner. Speak to them about a referral — and if it helps, bring the form with you.
01
You are due for routine breast screening.
02
You have a breast symptom that needs investigation.
03
A previous finding needs follow-up.
04
You and your physician have discussed the right screening schedule for you.
How it works
Seeing what can’t yet be felt.
Mammography captures the breast at the lowest possible dose, revealing subtle changes years before they would ever be noticeable by hand.
You stand at the unit and a technologist positions the breast.
Each breast is briefly compressed for the clearest image at the lowest dose.
A low-dose X-ray captures detailed views of the breast tissue.
Your images are read against any prior studies to spot subtle change.
✓Schedule the week after your period, when breast tissue is least sensitive.
How to prepare
Before your visit.
A little planning makes the visit smoother — and comparing to prior images meaningfully improves accuracy.
Do not wear deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear as artifacts on the images.
Wear a two-piece outfit, as you’ll need to undress from the waist up.
For maximum comfort, try to schedule the week following your menstrual cycle, when breast tissue is least sensitive.
If you’ve had previous mammograms elsewhere, please bring or arrange transfer of those records. Comparison to prior studies meaningfully improves accuracy.
What to expect
Brief, careful, and supported.
Each breast is briefly compressed between two plates to obtain the clearest image at the lowest radiation dose. Compression lasts only a few seconds per image and may feel uncomfortable but should not be painful; tell your technologist if anything feels wrong. The full appointment typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 01
Check-in & change from the waist up
Step 02
Positioning with your technologist
Step 03
A few brief compressions, seconds each
about 20–30 minutes total
Step 04
Free to resume your day right after
No recovery time is needed — you can resume normal activity immediately.
Results
When you get your results.
Your images are reviewed by our specialist.
A signed report is delivered securely to your referring physician; for urgent cases we can share verbal findings the same day.
Your physician talks you through the findings and next steps.
Aftercare
After your scan.
There is no recovery period. An MRI, CT, mammogram, ultrasound or bone-density scan is non-invasive, so you leave as you arrived.
You can drive yourself home and return to normal activity right away.
Eat, work and exercise as usual unless your physician has told you otherwise.
When a contrast agent is given, drink plenty of water to help clear it. Your team will mention this if it applies to you.
Cost
What it costs.
Pricing on request
Mammography
We publish our prices up front. This service is quoted individually because the cost depends on the protocol your physician orders. Contact us and we will confirm the full cost, and any funding options, before you book.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is a mammogram painful?
There is brief pressure as the breast is compressed for the image, which some find uncomfortable but is over quickly.
How long does it take?
The appointment is short — usually around 20 minutes, with the imaging itself taking only a few minutes.
Should I schedule around my cycle?
If you still menstruate, the week after your period is often more comfortable. Our team can advise when you book.
Do I need a referral?
Our team will confirm what is needed when you book. Screening pathways vary.
What if something is found?
Additional images or an ultrasound (including ABUS) may be recommended. Your results are sent to your physician to guide next steps.
Will my insurance cover it?
Initio is a private clinic, so the scan is paid directly. Many plans reimburse diagnostic imaging — we provide the documentation to claim.
Keep exploring
Related services.
Why Initio
Everything under one roof.
Mammography, ABUS and DEXA are available together at Initio, with results read and sent to your physician so any next step is coordinated.
Your physician’s referral is all you need to begin. Our team handles preparation and scheduling.
Prefer to talk first? Call +1 (604) 678-9274, email info@initiomedical.ca, or send us a message.
Looking for another service? Back to For Patients.