My First Mammogram Experience in Ontario: What You Need to Know

My First Mammogram: What You Need To Know

Mammograms Now Accessible in Ontario

Women in Ontario can now book a mammogram without needing to meet any prerequisites. This is a huge step forward for preventive health care. Mammograms not only help detect breast cancer early but also provide valuable information about breast density—something that can influence decisions around menopause hormone therapy.

As someone who believes in practicing what I preach, I booked my very first mammogram shortly after signing on with a new family doctor.

What I Expected vs. Reality

If you’ve never had a mammogram, you’ve probably heard the jokes about how uncomfortable they are. I went in bracing myself for pain, reminding myself that I’ve done tougher things (like delivering babies vaginally).

My appointment was at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ontario, so some of the details may be specific to that location.

Preparing for the Appointment

Here’s what I was asked to do before the mammogram:

• Avoid wearing deodorant or scented products (they can interfere with imaging).

• Bring a small bag for clothing.

• Wear something easy to change out of, since only the upper body needs to be uncovered.

The Process Step by Step

1. Check-in: I confirmed my address and doctor information with reception.

2. Changing: I was given a (pink!) gown and only needed to undress from the waist up.

3. Intake Questions: The wonderful technician, Elizabeth, took me into the mammogram room and did a small intake with me before we started the imaging. She asked about menstrual history, pregnancies, and overall health.

4. The Mammogram: Four images were taken of each breast. The technician positioned me carefully, adjusted the machine for a gentle compression, and stepped back to capture the images. The entire time she spoke about what she was doing and what I could expect. I felt really informed.

The entire process took about 10 minutes.

Was It Painful?

Surprisingly, no. My technician, Elizabeth, reassured me that mammograms should not hurt—and she was right. While the compression felt unusual, it was far less uncomfortable than I had imagined.

She also explained that because my breasts are dense, I may be called back for additional images to create a clearer 3D view of the tissue.

Why Breast Density Matters

Breast density is important to know before starting hormone therapy. While hormone therapy doesn’t cause breast cancer, it can increase breast density, making small lesions harder to detect. Having a baseline mammogram allows doctors to compare images over time and spot changes early.

Final Thoughts

Would I do it again? Absolutely. Early detection saves lives, and the peace of mind I gained from this experience was invaluable.

If you’ve been putting off booking your mammogram because of fear or discomfort, let me assure you—it’s quick, manageable, and far less intimidating than the myths suggest.

Have you booked your mammogram yet? Don’t wait—early detection is key.