Many people feel more comfortable having their Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) mammogram done by a female technologist. The good news is that yes—at many clinics, including Valence Medical Imaging in Brampton and Bramalea—you can request a female mammography technician. While the OBSP cannot guarantee availability at every appointment time, most centres try their best to support your comfort.
Below is an easy guide to help you understand your OBSP technician preference, how to ask for Ontario mammogram female staff, and what to expect during your breast screening.
Can I Ask for a Female Technician With OBSP?
Yes. Patients can request a female OBSP technician when booking their mammogram. OBSP centres understand that comfort, privacy, and personal preference are important. Clinics try to honour this request as long as a female technologist is scheduled during your preferred time.
Many patients prefer female staff for:
• Personal comfort
• Cultural or religious reasons
• Past medical or trauma experiences
• General privacy preference
If this matters to you, it is helpful to mention it early so the clinic can plan your appointment.
How to Request a Female Mammogram Technologist
Making your request is simple. Here’s what you can do when booking at a clinic like Valence Medical Imaging:
• Say you would like to book an OBSP mammogram with a female technician
• Ask about female mammography technologist availability for the day you want
• Let the front desk know if this is a strong preference
• Be open to a different appointment time if needed
Most centres try very hard to place you with female Ontario mammogram staff whenever possible, especially for OBSP screenings.
What If a Female Technician Is Not Available?
Sometimes a clinic may not have a female technologist on every shift. If that happens, you can:
• Ask for the next time a female technician is available
• Request to be placed on a call list for openings
• Try a different nearby OBSP site if your schedule is tight
• Ask the clinic to note your OBSP comfort request on your file for future visits
Remember, you never have to proceed with an appointment if you do not feel comfortable.
Why Technician Choice Matters
Feeling relaxed during your mammogram helps the experience feel quicker and easier. Having a technician you feel comfortable with can make a big difference. Choosing a female technologist is common and completely supported within OBSP guidelines.
Comfort can help with:
• Reduced anxiety
• Better communication
• A smoother positioning process
• A more positive screening experience overall
Who Can Get a Mammogram Through the OBSP?
OBSP covers screening for many people in Ontario:
• Ages 40 to 74: Eligible for routine screening every 2 years at no cost
• Ages 30 to 69 at high risk: May qualify for annual screening; a doctor must refer you
If you are unsure which group you fall into, your family doctor or nurse practitioner can help you decide.
What to Expect During Your OBSP Mammogram
Even if you request a female technician, the OBSP process stays the same:
• You check in and change in a private area
• The technologist explains each step
• Each breast is gently compressed for a few seconds
• The full appointment usually takes about 15–20 minutes
• You can go back to normal activities right after
Technologists are trained to make the experience as comfortable and respectful as possible.
Tips to Make Your Appointment More Comfortable
Here are simple ways to feel more at ease during your visit:
• Wear a two-piece outfit so you only remove your top
• Avoid deodorant or powder before your appointment
• Share any worries with your technologist
• Ask for breaks if you need them
• Let the clinic know your breast exam technician preference ahead of time
Your comfort matters, and your technologist wants you to feel supported.
Why Many Brampton and Bramalea Patients Choose Valence Medical Imaging
Valence Medical Imaging offers:
• Female technologists available for OBSP screening
• A calm, private, patient-focused environment
• Easy booking options
• Locations close to home in Brampton and Bramalea
• OBSP-covered mammograms with no referral needed for ages 50–74
If having female staff for your OBSP mammogram is important to you, the team will do everything possible to meet your request.
Book Your OBSP Mammogram With a Female Technician
If you prefer a female mammography technologist, simply tell the clinic when you call. Valence Medical Imaging is here to help you feel safe, respected, and comfortable at every step of your OBSP screening.
Ready to book? Contact Valence Medical Imaging in Brampton or Bramalea to schedule your OBSP screening and request a female technician today.
More Information:
Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) | Cancer Care Ontario
