BC Cancer Breast Screening is committed to ensuring the safety of patients and health care providers during screening mammography appointments. Learn more.
If further tests are needed, BC Cancer Breast Screening has a Fast Track system in place and an appointment is scheduled as quickly as possible because we know waiting can be stressful. You'll be called directly by a diagnostic office nearest to you to arrange an appointment.
Additional tests can include one or more of the following:
- Diagnostic mammograms: takes x-rays of the area of concern.
- Ultrasound: uses sound waves to produce an image of the area.
- Needle Biopsy: takes sample of tissue from the area of concern.
This does not mean that a cancer was found – over 95% of those who are called for additional tests do not have cancer.
Fast Track is a province-wide initiative aimed at reducing the time between an abnormal result and further testing. To speed up the process, BC Cancer Breast Screening sends results directly to the physician and facilitates the referral for the first round of diagnostic testing. Once complete, the diagnostic results are sent to the physician. Please contact your health care provider for these results.
Contact with the Fast Track centre will occur as soon as possible. Patients typically receive their diagnostic tests faster than patients not participating in the Fast Track program. There may be some fluctuation in wait times for diagnostic follow-up based on availability of appointments, workforce shortages, or patient availability but the goal is to complete any additional imaging in a timely manner. The Fast Track centre will contact the health care provider if unable to reach the patient directly.
