Mammogram

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that uses low doses of radiation. It can help find both cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) tumours in the breast.

KDH is an Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) site, that provides screening mammograms only. Anyone with symptoms, such as a lump, or in need of a breast ultrasound, will need a referral to another site. Patients without a family doctor can self-refer for a mammogram, between the ages of 40 and 74. 

How the test is performed

The technologist will position your breasts one at a time on the mammogram machine, which will briefly compress the breast between two plates. The compression keeps your breast from moving, and makes the layer of breast tissue thinner. These steps reduce the radiation exposure and make the picture sharper.

How to prepare for the test

On the day of the mammogram, don’t wear deodorant, talcum power or perfume as they may contain substances that can show up on the image as white spots. Try to avoid scheduling your mammogram in the week before your period.

How the test will feel

Although the compression can feel uncomfortable for some women, it only lasts a few seconds and is needed to get a good picture. Talk to the technologist if you have pain. She can reposition you to make the compression as comfortable as possible. The entire mammogram takes about 8 minutes, not including time spent filling out paperwork and changing.

News & Media

Kemptville District Hospital celebrates grand opening of Tallman Family CT Scanner Suite

June 26, 2025

Hey Day raises over $50,000 for Kemptville District Hospital

June 12, 2025
Open ProfileNadia Robinson

Open ProfileStaff ProfileNadia RobinsonPatient Registration/Health Records Clerk

Read Profile

9,226

bone mineral density tests performed at KDH

since 2007

Find a Clinic or Service

Thank You
Thank You

“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the physicians, nurses, nursing aides, dietary, environmental services, lab, and diagnostic imaging staff, and many others who helped so much to make my stay in March so much easier for me. It was a worrying time for me and my family. There was not a single staff member at any time who did not make me feel more at ease and well cared for. I am still finding ways to cope with my condition and slowly but steadily improving with the regular support of my doctors and remain cautiously optimistic, but it looks like a long road ahead. I learned a lot while I was being cared for, particularly about the value of those small instances of human kindness. I wanted to express my appreciation for all the dedicated work everyone at KDH does.”

Nancy