​M. Lau Breast Centre


Breast Clinic Area

Location

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Directions)

2nd Floor, M. Lau Breast Centre​

Hours

Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm​

Contact

Phone: 416 946 4501​ ext. 2228
(Breast, Melanoma, and Skin triage line)

What We Do

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Cancer & COVID

The Breast Clinic is dedicated to managing cancers of the breast. At the Breast Clinic, cancer experts on your team work with you to ensure you get the best care possible. See also: Breast Site Group at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre »

The Gattuso Rapid Diagnostic Centre (GRDC) at Princess Margaret helps people quickly find out if they have breast cancer. See also: the Gattuso Rapid Diagnostic Centre »​​​​​

How to Get Referred

You need a referral from your doctor to become a patient with a breast oncologist.

When making a referral, your doctor will include:
  • A letter of referral
  • Clinical notes
  • Tests, x-rays and any other relevant results - including completed breast biopsy reports and any prior oncology treatments such as radiation therapy

How long does a referral take?

Usually the doctor who referred you will contact you with your appointment time. Call the doctor's office if you do not receive information about your appointment within a few weeks.


Referral Information for Physicians

Your doctor can get all the referral information they need in our guide for referring physicians. See the Guide for Physicians Referring to the Breast Clinic »​

What to Expect

​​​​​​​​​​​Someone will call you to give you a time for your first appointment at the Breast Clinic. Learn more about preparing for your first appointment in the Guide to Princess Margaret.

What to Bring
When You Arrive
How Long Will Your Appointment Be?
Before You Leave
About Phone Calls


Health Information

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    *These material(s) are also available in other languages. Access health information in other languages »

    Resources from this Clinic

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          Visit our Health Information section to find dedicated resources to help you understand your condition. Find the information you're looking for »



          The Team

          ​Treating and caring for people with cancer takes a well-coordinated team. Your team at the Breast Clinic is made up of world-class health care professionals working together for you and with you. Your team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, dietitians, patient flow coordinators, volunteers and many others dedicated to helping you and your family.

          Leadership

           
          https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/Clinics/Brain_Tumour


          High Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program

          What is the High Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program?

          Women at high risk for breast cancer can receive annual breast medical imaging (mammogram and MRI or bilateral breast ultrasound) as part of the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) [opens in new window]. There are over 25 high risk screening sites in Ontario [opens in new window]. Each site facilitates genetic assessments and testing.

          If you are at high risk for breast cancer, annual breast screening will ensure that if you develop breast cancer it will be found and treated early.

          Who is eligible for high risk breast screening?

          ​You are eligible for OBSP’s high risk screening program if you are between 30 and 69 years old, have no symptoms of breast cancer and:
          • Are a known carrier of a potentially harmful gene mutation, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
          • Are the first degree relative of a person with a potentially harmful gene mutation, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
          • Have a 25% or greater lifetime risk of breast cancer (assessed using either the IBIS or BOADICEA risk assessment tools, preferably at a genetics clinic). See also: Familial Cancer Clinic at Princess Margaret »
          • Have received chest radiation (not x-ray) before the age of 30 and at least 8 years before screening to treat other medical conditions (e.g., as treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma)

          You may need to see a genetic counsellor to determine if you are eligible for high-risk breast screening. Ask your doctor for a referral to genetic counselling if you or a family member have a personal or family history (father’s or mother’s side) of one or more of the following:

          • Breast cancer or ovarian cancer in two or more closely related family members on the same side of the family
          • Breast cancer in both breasts, especially if the woman was diagnosed with one or both cancers before age 50
          • Both breast and ovarian cancer in the same woman
          • Breast cancer before age 35
          • Invasive serous ovarian cancer
          • Breast or ovarian cancer in Ashkenazi Jewish families
          • BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in any blood relative
          • Male breast cancer

           

          The Nurse Navigator

          The nurse navigator is the first person you will meet when you come for high-risk screening. The navigator will give you information about high-risk screening, screening results, callback assessments, and other things you may encounter in the high-risk breast screening program. The navigator can answer any questions you may have about high-risk screening and support you as you go through the program.

          The navigator works with a diverse team of health care professionals to give you the best possible care, including:

          • Geneticists
          • Medical oncologists
          • Medical radiologists
          • Breast surgeons
          • Radiologists
          • Family physicians
          • Plastic surgeons
          • Reconstructive breast nurses
          • Oncology nurses
          • Social workers
          • Survivorship programs
          • Community resources such as those found at the Canadian Cancer Society [opens in new window]

           

          How to Get Referred

          Talk to your doctor about the high-risk OBSP. You need a referral from your doctor to get into the program. 

           

          Contact Information

          Referral & Program Questions:

          Shelley Westergard, Clinical Coordinator/Nurse Navigator
          Phone: 416 946 4501 ext. 6313
          Email: shelley.westergard@uhn.ca

          Appointment Details:

          Phone: 416 946 4501 ext. 3317

          Genetic Enquiries:

          Familial Cancer Clinic
          Phone: 416 946 2270

          To see OBSP High Risk Screening Referral Contacts in other locations, visit Cancer Care Ontario [opens in new window] »

          ​ 


          QuickStart Radiation Therapy Program

          ​​Whole breast ​radiation therapy is the standard treatment option for women with breast cancer following breast-conserving surgery (also called lumpectomy). On an annual basis, this treatment accounts for more than 60% of all breast cancer patients treated at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. With increasing rates of breast cancer and greater use of advanced, yet time-consuming radiation treatment planning methods, we have developed an innovative and more efficient approach to treating patients and preventing potential delays.

          QuickStart is the first program in the world to offer women with early-stage breast cancer expedited CT scans, treatment planning and delivery of the first radiation treatment, all to be completed in one day. For patients who experience some form of delay in their cancer journey prior to radiation therapy, having an expedited radiation treatment process avoids potential negative impacts on their treatment experience and outcome. The award-winning program offers patients the same high quality and effective radiation treatment as the traditional process, but without the unnecessary wait-time. QuickStart makes the cancer journey more efficient, so patients can return to their lives sooner.

          Visit the QuickStart webpage to find out more about the program​ »




          Page Content

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          https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/Clinics/Brain_Metastasis/; https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/Clinics/Allogeneic_Transplant/Pages/about_us.aspx; https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/Clinics/Brain_Tumour/Pages/about_us.aspx
          https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/Education/Continuing_Education_Programs/Pages/continuing_education_programs.aspx
          Last reviewed: 5/29/2023
          Last modified: 2/27/2024 8:46 AM
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