Yukon Hospitals

These exams require the use of x-rays. Therefore, you should postpone any of these exams if there is any possibility that you could be pregnant.

Process

Mammography is a low dose x-ray of the breast. This test can be safely done on adult women (or men) at any age where there is clinical concern or a strong family history of breast disease. Mammography is the best method of early detection. It has the ability to detect breast cancers before they can be felt.

On the day of your exam, please do not use deodorant, body powder, or put lotion on to the breast and underarm area. Please wear a 2-piece outfit, for your comfort. Aerosol deodorant is provided after your mammogram is completed.

Exam Descriptions:

Screening Mammogram:
A physician ordered exam, or if over the age of 40 patient can self-refer. In order to perform a mammogram, you will need to undress from the waist up. The breast is placed on to the mammography unit and a compression paddle will then come in contact with the breast, gently spreading the breast tissue out. This pressure lasts for a few seconds while the x-ray is taken and then releases automatically. The compression does not harm the breast but helps to produce a clearer picture for the Radiologist. Usually four images (2 of each breast) are taken.

Diagnostic Mammogram:
A physician ordered exam, as above, however extra views of the affected breast and ultrasound of the area may be required.

Yukon Mammography Program:
Whitehorse General Hospital is the affiliate site for the Yukon Mammography Program (YMP). A patient may participate in the YMP without a doctor's referral if she is over the age of 50 and it has been at least two years since her last mammogram. You will be required to provide the name of a physician to whom the Mammography results will be sent.

To qualify for this program you must have no clinical breast concerns, and have no prior history of breast cancer or breast implants (including previous implants removed. A screening mammogram is performed and your information is added to the YMP database with your consent. You will then automatically be invited back for your YMP exam every other year (in some cases, every year).