The Waterloo Wellington Breast Centre (WWBC) provides screening and diagnostic mammography, the OBSP program, breast ultrasound and interventional procedures under mammography and ultrasound guidance.
The WWBC is located at our Freeport Campus at 3570 King Street East in Kitchener. For further information or to book an appointment call 519-749-4270
Mammography is a low dose x-ray of the breast tissue. If there is a possibility you may be pregnant, please consult with your doctor before having a mammogram. Our state-of-the-art full field digital mammography equipment produces the highest quality images. Our specialized technologists are dedicated to obtaining a high quality exam, while making you as comfortable as possible.
In order to prepare for your exam, we ask:
· do not use deodorant that contains aluminum or zinc
· do not use body powder, or put lotion on the breast and underarm area
· wear a two-piece outfit for your comfort
Mammography examinations offered at the breast centre:
Routine screening mammogram
This is a doctor-ordered exam. In order to do a mammogram, you will need to undress from the waist up. You will place your breast onto 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. Usually four pictures (two of each breast) are taken. Please allow 15-30 minutes for the exam.
Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP)
We are an OBSP site where patients between 50-74 years of age with no history of breast cancer can self-refer at no cost for a routine screening mammogram.
This examination includes a basic mammogram (four pictures), as described above, performed on our full field digital mammography equipment. Please allow 15-30 minutes for an OBSP appointment.
If you would like more information surrounding the OBSP program, please visit the Cancer Care Ontario breast screening page (opens in new window).
Diagnostic assessment of clinical or imaging findings
Imaging may include mammography, tomosynthesis, ultrasound, and/or biopsy under ultrasound or mammography. Please allow 60-90 minutes for your care.
Breast biopsy under imaging guidance
If a previous mammogram or ultrasound shows a questionable breast lesion, the doctor may feel that a biopsy is required. You may eat regularly the day of the appointment. You will be able to return home after the procedure.
We use a state-of-the-art digital biopsy device, or breast ultrasound unit, to locate the area of concern. Once located, local freezing is used and a fine needle is inserted to remove samples of tissue which are then sent to the pathology lab for testing.
Breast Magseed localization
This procedure is done before surgery to localize/pinpoint an area within the breast seen on a previous mammogram or ultrasound.
Using mammography or ultrasound guidance, we will place a Magseed into your breast. Once we are sure that the area of concern is localized, the needle is removed and the Magseed remains in place. You may eat regularly the day of the appointment. You will be able to return home after the procedure.
Breast Assessment Clinic / Surgical Consultation
With patient’s written consent, BIRADS 5 and BIRADS 6 results will be referred to one of WWBC’s Surgeons or triaged to a Breast Assessment Clinic for same day surgical consultation.