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.
This guide explains who is eligible for a screening mammogram through Québec's breast screening program (PQDCS), how to prepare, what happens during the exam and how to understand your result.
Key takeaways
- Québec's breast screening program (PQDCS) is for RAMQ-insured women aged 50 to 74 and offers mammography every 2 years.
- Before 50 or after 74, the decision is individualized. Some higher-risk women may need earlier surveillance.
- On the day of the exam, avoid deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion and perfume on the breasts or underarms.
- Compression can be uncomfortable or painful, but the exam is brief and discomfort usually stops when compression is released.
- An abnormal result does not necessarily mean cancer: about 95% of additional investigations do not reveal cancer.
- A new breast change needs assessment even after a normal mammogram.
What is a screening mammogram?
A screening mammogram is a breast X-ray that 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?
Québec's breast screening program, the PQDCS, is for RAMQ-insured women aged 50 to 74 and offers mammography every 2 years.
What if you are under 50, over 74 or at higher risk?
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 do 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.
- What to wear: a two-piece outfit is practical.
- What to report: possible pregnancy, implants, a pacemaker, neurostimulator, limited mobility or previous surgery.
- When to book: if breasts are tender, booking shortly after a period may be more comfortable.
What happens during a mammogram?
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.
Does a mammogram hurt?
Compression can be uncomfortable or painful, but it improves image quality and reduces the radiation needed. Discomfort usually stops when compression is released.
How long does a mammogram take?
The exam is brief. Each breast is compressed for several seconds while the images are taken.
What does a normal or abnormal mammogram result mean?
Normal result
A normal mammogram 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.
Abnormal result
An abnormal mammogram result does not necessarily mean cancer. More views, ultrasound or biopsy may be requested. About 95% of additional investigations do not reveal cancer.
What are the benefits and limitations of mammography?
Screening often finds cancer earlier, improves the chance of cure and may reduce the need for chemotherapy, but mammography can also miss cancer, cause false alarms or lead to overdiagnosis. Participation remains an informed personal choice.
BenefitsLimitationsOften finds cancer earlierCan miss cancer, particularly in dense breastsImproves the chance of cureCan produce false alarmsMay reduce the need for chemotherapyCan identify a very slow cancer that would never have caused harm, leading to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment
Have breast symptoms? Don't wait for your next mammogram
A new breast change requires clinical assessment, even after a normal mammogram. Get assessed if you notice:
- a new lump
- bloody discharge
- nipple retraction
- orange-peel skin
- persistent redness
- a change in breast shape
Screening vs. diagnostic 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.
How Bina Medical Clinic can help
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.
