Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to find breast cancer before it can be felt. It can reduce breast cancer mortality, but it also has limitations and may lead to additional tests.
Who is eligible for the PQDCS?
Québec’s breast screening program is for RAMQ-insured women aged 50 to 74 and offers mammography every 2 years.
Before 50 or after 74, the decision is individualized. A genetic mutation, previous chest radiation or a strong family history may require earlier surveillance with mammography and sometimes MRI.
How should you prepare?
On the day of the exam, avoid deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion and perfume on the breasts or underarms because they can create misleading spots on the images. A two-piece outfit is practical.
Report possible pregnancy, implants, a pacemaker, neurostimulator, limited mobility or previous surgery. If breasts are tender, booking shortly after a period may be more comfortable.
What happens during the exam?
A certified technologist places each breast between two plates and compresses it for several seconds. Usually two images of each breast are taken from different angles.
Compression can be uncomfortable or painful, but improves image quality and reduces the radiation needed. The exam is brief and discomfort usually stops when compression is released.
Normal and abnormal results
A normal result means no concerning abnormality was seen. It cannot rule out every cancer, so a new breast change still needs assessment before the next mammogram.
An abnormal result does not necessarily mean cancer. More views, ultrasound or biopsy may be requested; about 95% of additional investigations do not reveal cancer.
Benefits and limitations
Screening often finds cancer earlier, improves the chance of cure and may reduce the need for chemotherapy. Participation remains an informed personal choice.
Mammography can miss cancer, particularly in dense breasts, produce false alarms or identify a very slow cancer that would never have caused harm, leading to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
Symptoms should not wait
A new lump, bloody discharge, nipple retraction, orange-peel skin, persistent redness or a change in breast shape requires clinical assessment even after a normal mammogram.
Mammography ordered for symptoms is diagnostic and may follow a different pathway from screening. Bring previous images if they were taken at another centre.
At Bina Clinic, we can confirm eligibility, assess risk factors and follow the report. Screening is most useful when the decision is informed and every abnormality receives prompt follow-up.
Official sources
- Gouvernement du Québec — Programme québécois de dépistage du cancer du sein
- Gouvernement du Québec — Mammographie de dépistage
- Gouvernement du Québec — Avantages, inconvénients et limites
This article provides general information and does not replace a personalized medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
