People aged 40 and over can now get an OHIP-covered mammogram without needing a doctor or nurse practitioner’s referral. Learn more about when and how to get tested.

About breast cancer

Breast cancer starts in the breast tissue. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast tissue multiply and form a tumour that may spread. Most cases are found in people age 50 and over.

In Ontario, breast cancer has one of the highest survival rates of all cancer types.

Learn more about breast cancer.

Get screened

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast that can find small lumps or changes in your breast and can find cancers, even when they are too small for you or your doctor to feel or see.

Getting regular mammograms — and proper follow-up testing for abnormal results — are important because they can:

  • find cancer early when it may be smaller and easier to treat
  • lower the risk of dying from breast cancer

Mammograms are not perfect tests. Some cancers may also develop in the time between tests. It’s important to talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about the benefits and limitations of testing for breast cancer.

Learn more about mammograms.

When and how to get screened

Breast cancer can happen at any age. People ages 40 to 74 are encouraged to speak to their doctor or nurse practitioner about getting screened for breast cancer.

If you are 30 to 69 years old and confirmed high risk

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) recommends getting a mammogram with an MRI or ultrasound every year. An MRI is a test that uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create different images of the breast. An ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the breast.

High-risk status is based on a family or medical history of breast cancer and must be confirmed by a doctor or genetic counsellor. Breast cancer screening for eligible people at high risk is covered by OHIP.

Talk with your doctor or nurse practitioner if you think you have family or medical history related to breast cancer or other criteria that may place you at high risk.

If you are 40 to 49 years old

You can self-refer for mammograms beginning at age 40. You will not need a doctor or nurse practitioner’s referral and the service is covered by OHIP.

Talk to your doctor, nurse practitioner or call Health811 to have a conversation about your risk of cancer, the potential benefits and potential harms of breast cancer screening and your preferences and values for screening to determine if it is right for you.

If you are 50 to 74 years old

The Ontario Breast Screening Program recommends getting a mammogram every 2 years. You don’t need a doctor or nurse practitioner's referral and the service is covered by OHIP.

If you are over 74 years old

Speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner about getting tested for breast cancer.

If you choose to get screened, you will need a referral for a mammogram from your doctor or nurse practitioner. This service is covered by OHIP with a referral.

If you do not have a doctor or nurse practitioner, you can find one through Health811 by calling 811 at 1-800-445-1822.

Eligible people in the North West and Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant regions may be eligible to test for breast cancer in one of Ontario Health’s mobile screening coaches.

Book an appointment

You can book an appointment by either:

Use Ontario Health’s Breast Screening Wait Times and Location Tool to find mammogram wait times, locations, accessibility information, hours of operation, and contact information.

If you do not have a doctor or nurse practitioner, you can use Health811 any time to find a clinic that offers breast screening:

Learn more about how to find a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

How to prepare

Try to book your mammogram for a time when your breasts are not tender.

The day of your mammogram wear a two-piece outfit. You will be asked to remove your top before your mammogram.

Because metals in certain products can show up on the X-ray picture, do not use:

  • deodorants
  • antiperspirants
  • body lotions
  • talcum powders

Learn more about what happens during a mammogram.

After you get tested

If results are normal

If your test results are normal, you will be notified by mail from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario). If you no longer want to receive letters from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), call 1-866-662-9233.

If results are not normal

If your test results are not normal, the Ontario Breast Screening Program location (where you received your mammogram) will notify your doctor or nurse practitioner and may help schedule a timely follow-up appointment. Both the program location and your doctor or nurse practitioner can arrange more tests if needed.

If you don’t have a doctor

If you do not have a doctor or nurse practitioner, the Ontario Breast Screening Program will assign you a doctor or nurse practitioner who will follow up on your results.

Read more about cancer testing letters.

Costs

OHIP pays for breast cancer screening at a publicly funded Ontario hospital or clinic if you are:

  • eligible for the Ontario Breast Screening Program and are checked for breast cancer at an Ontario Breast Screening Program location
  • not eligible for the Ontario Breast Screening Program, but are referred by a doctor or nurse practitioner

Tips to reduce your risk

To reduce the risk of getting breast cancer it’s important to:

  • maintain a healthy body weight
  • be physically active
  • limit alcohol intake
  • live smoke-free (for example, consider quitting smoking cigarettes)
  • discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or nurse practitioner if you are on birth control or hormone replacement therapy