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What best describes you?
If you have no breast symptoms, you may be eligible to book a screening mammogram without a referral.
If you have a new breast symptom or concern, speak with your healthcare provider. You may need diagnostic imaging, which requires a referral.
Use the information below to learn about the different types of breast imaging and when they may be recommended.
Quick Guide
Do you have breast symptoms?
┌── YES ──► 🩺 Healthcare Provider
│ ↓
│ Diagnostic Imaging
│
└── NO ───► 📸 Screening Mammogram (Self-Referral)
Understanding Breast Imaging Tests
At a Glance
| Test | Purpose | Referral Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| 📸 Screening Mammogram | Routine Screening | ❌ No |
| 🔍 Diagnostic Mammogram | Investigating Breast Symptoms | ✅ Yes |
| 🔊 Breast Ultrasound | Additional assessment | ✅ Yes |
| 🧲 MRI | High-risk screening or special circumstances | ✅ Yes |
SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS
No referral required
A screening mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts used to look for signs of breast cancer before symptoms appear.
Recommended Screening Schedule
📅 Ages 40–49
Recommended every year
📅 Ages 50–74
Every 2 years if you have no increased risk factors (family history, evidence of high risk, such as genetic disposition or radiation therapy to chest wall)
Every year if you have increased risk factors
📅 Ages 75+
Can continue every 2 years if you are in good health
Can I book my own Screening mammogram?
You are eligible if you:
Are a resident of Canada and have a valid provincial health card
Have no breast implants
Have no breast symptoms
Have no personal history of breast cancer
📌 Note: If you have breast symptoms and/or are unsure if you should continue to have mammography, speak with your health care provider to see if screening is right for you.
DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAMS
Referral required.
A diagnostic mammogram is used to assess a breast problem, such as a lump, other breast changes, or following an abnormal screening mammogram.
Recommended if:
- You have new breast symptom
- Additional images needed after screening
- Follow-up image is required
What to Expect?
- Additional images
- Longer appointment
- Detailed assessment
BREAST ULTRASOUND
Referral required
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue.
It may be used to:
- Examine an area seen on mammogram
- Investigate a breast symptom
Determine whether a lump is fluid-filled, such as a cyst, or solid
📌 Note: Ultrasound is not recommended as a routine breast screening test.
BREAST MRI
Referral required
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields to create a three-dimensional image of the breasts.
MRI may be used:
- For high-risk screening
In specific clinical situations
📌 Note: MRI is not recommended as a routine breast screening test.
HIGH-RISK BREAST SCREENING PROGRAM (Learn More about High-risk screening program)
Referral required
- Some individuals have a higher chance of developing breast cancer due to genetics, family history, or previous radiation treatment.
- If you are considered high risk, you may be eligible for: Annual Mammogram + Annual Breast MRI.
- Individuals aged 30–74 who meet high-risk criteria may be eligible.
You may qualify if you have any one of the following:
📌Important to Know
Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program (NSBSP) manages:
- Screening mammograms
High-risk breast screening MRI
Diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and breast MRIs outside of high-risk screening are managed by clinical imaging departments and not determined by screening program.