The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec (MSSS) introduced the Québec Breast Cancer Screening Program in May 1998.
For any questions:
This program offers Quebec women aged 50 to 74 years the opportunity to undergo a breast cancer screening mammography every 2 years.
Women who have already contracted breast cancer are not targeted by the program; they are, rather, invited to speak with their doctor for more information on the follow-up of their condition.
In every region of Quebec, a Regional Service Coordination Center (CCSR) coordinates the activities of the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program and ensures that letters are sent out inviting the women concerned to undergo a mammography, and this using data provided by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
If you believe you might be eligible for the screening program but have not received a letter regarding mammography, please reach out to your CCSR.
If you are under 50 years of age or older than 74, you may be eligible to undergo a mammography, but will need a medical prescription to do so. Speak with your healthcare professional to know whether or not your circumstances are considered adequate for you to undergo a mammography. For example, a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer could increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Such a situation could justify your undergoing a mammography at an earlier age.
You can undergo a mammography if you have breast implants; you should not do so, however, if your surgery was performed recently.
Based on the mammography results, the radiologist may issue one of several recommendations: to not do anything else at the present time, to be closely followed by a healthcare professional, or to undergo more in-depth examinations such as a breast ultrasonography. If breast cancer is suspected, a biopsy will be recommended to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
Mammographies are not infallible, and certain cancers cannot be detected by this screening test or other breast imaging exams. Hence, it is important to always see a healthcare professional whenever you notice a change of any type concerning your breasts.
Observing the breasts is no longer recommended as a screening method, and can in no instance replace a mammography.
It is nonetheless recommended that everyone, women and men alike, be on the lookout for any changes to their breasts or chest.
Below are certain symptoms that should prompt you to see a healthcare professional:
To learn more about the Québec Breast Cancer Screening Program, we suggest that you visit the program’s Website.
For yet more information on breast cancer, you can also go to the Website of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.
The majority of breast cancers are not linked to a family history of this specific cancer, and only a very small percentage of breast cancers are hereditary. In some cases, a person will inherit a gene mutation (changes to a given gene). People with a family history of cancer, especially breast or ovarian cancer, can undergo genetic testing to determine whether there is in fact a gene mutation (the most frequent gene mutation occurs in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene).
However, having inherited a gene mutation does not mean that you will automatically develop cancer; it is rather an indication that your risk of having cancer is higher than that of the general population. In such cases, personalized screening measures can be offered.
Genetic testing is usually done through bloodwork. Women will generally be eligible for genetic screening if they are over 18 years of age and their risk of having a gene mutation is sufficiently high. The genetic test must be preceded by a meeting with experts in the field of genetics, in what is called a genetic consult.
Genetic screening results allow for estimating the risk of developing breast cancer. It does not, however, enable predicting whether or not a person will develop breast cancer over their lifetime.
If you are concerned that your family history may place you at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, speak to your doctor. If relevant, genetic testing may be recommended.
To learn more about hereditary breast cancer and genetic screening, click here.
For more information, call the Info-cancer Hotline at 1-800-363-0063.
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