Gattuso Rapid Diagnostic Centre

What We Do

The amount of time between detecting a breast abnormality and making a diagnosis varies greatly from centre to centre. Some patients wait weeks or even months before they find out if they have cancer or not. This waiting time is stressful for patients and their families and friends.

The Gattuso Rapid Diagnostic Centre (GRDC) helps people quickly find out if they have breast cancer. Most breast changes are not breast cancer. Getting a diagnosis quickly means that many people will spend less time worrying. For those who find out they have cancer, it means getting treatment sooner.

• See also: Breast Site Group at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
• See also: Breast Clinic (M. Lau Breast Centre)​
  

What to Expect

Learn more about preparing for your first appointment in the Guide to the Princess Margaret.

The Team

Diagnosing people who may have cancer takes a well-coordinated team. Your team at the Rapid Diagnostic Centre includes world-class health care professionals working for you and with you.

Leadership

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Benign Breast Changes (Not Cancer)

Most breast changes are not breast cancer. These are called benign breast changes. If you need any follow-up appointments or treatments, the Gattuso Rapid Diagnostic Centre will arrange these appointments for you.

Talk to your health care team about benign breast changes if you have any questions. They are here to support you.

Breast Cancer

There are many different types of breast cancer and many treatment options. If you need any follow-up appointments or treatments, the Gattuso Rapid Diagnostic Centre will arrange these appointments for you.

Read the resources below to learn more. Talk to a member of your health care team if you have any questions. They are here to support you.

Breast Cancer Screening and Overview:

• Cancer Screening: Talk to your doctor
• High Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program

Surgery:

• Breast Cancer Surgery
• Breast Reconstructive Surgery

To learn more, visit the Surgery Centre website »

Chemotherapy:

• Chemotherapy & Other Drug Therapies (Canadian Cancer Society)

To learn more, visit the Systemic Therapy Centre website »

Radiation Therapy:

• Preparing for Your Weekly Review Appointments
• What to Expect While Receiving Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
• Taking Care of Your Skin During Radiation Therapy
• How to Do Self Lymphatic Massage on your Upper Body: One Side

To learn more, visit the Radiation Therapy Centre website »

Coping and Support:

To learn more visit these websites:

• Psychosocial Oncology Clinic
• Spiritual Care
• Social Work
• Canadian Breast Cancer Network Support Groups
• Rethink Breast Cancer​
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Gattuso Rapid Diagnostic Centre Tests & Procedures

Preparing for Your Biopsy Patient Education Videos

​​​Different tests and procedures are used to check breast changes. The administrative assistant will tell you what tests and procedures you may need when your appointment is booked. The tests you need may change during the appointment based on the results of your assessment or imaging tests. Watch the videos below to learn how to prepare and what to expect.