Two women sitting together and smiling at each other, one with an arm around the other.
We take your health to heart

Frequently asked questions

Memo-mamo

During the exam, you’ll only be in the presence of female technologists. You may not feel comfortable showing your breasts during the mammogram, but it’s important to do so to screen for breast cancer. Talk to the female technologists on site; they will be able to reassure you.

In addition, all technologists are trained to perform mammograms professionally and respectfully to ensure your comfort and the quality of the screening.

Yes. During the examination, you will only be around female technologists.

To book an appointment, you must contact a designated screening centre. A list of designated screening centres is included with the letter from the QBCSP.

You can also consult the list of all designated screening centers in Quebec by clicking on the following link: Designated screening centers - Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program.

You can consult the section “Quebec breast cancer screening letter,” which contains an audio version (narrated) of the letter as well as clear and easy-to-understand explanations of its content.

We’re also available online, by phone and by email to answer your questions:

  • Call us toll-free at 1-888-939-3333.
  • Live chat with an information specialist.
  • Fill our online form.

Visit our What is breast cancer? page for more information.

We’re also available online, by phone and by email to answer your questions:

  • Call us toll-free at 1-888-939-3333.
  • Live chat with an information specialist.
  • Fill our online form.

We’re available online, by phone and by email to answer your questions:

  • Call us toll-free at 1-888-939-3333.
  • Live chat with an information specialist.
  • Fill our online form.

Yes. You may bring someone with you to your appointment.

Yes. Please call us toll-free at 1-888-939-3333 and someone will be able to help you with this. For languages other than French and English, we can call on an interpretation service.

If you’re between the ages of 40 and 49, speak to a doctor or healthcare professional about the benefits and limitations of having a screening mammogram, and be sure to mention any family or personal history of the disease. Your history may require screening at a younger age or at more frequent intervals.

It’s important that you know what is normal for your breast tissue at any age. If you notice any changes, talk to a doctor or healthcare professional.

After age 75, women no longer automatically receive an invitation letter from the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (QBCSP).

However, it’s possible to have a mammogram if a healthcare professional recommends it. You can discuss this with a healthcare professional, who will assess your needs based on your health and medical history.  

Yes. Our resources can help you make informed decisions and better understand early cancer detection. We invite you to consult the following booklet: Take the Next Steps to Finding Cancer Early.

Although the Canadian Cancer Society recommends expanding the QBCSP to women aged 40 to 49, the QBCSP is currently only available to women aged 50 to 74.

For more information on the Canadian Cancer Society's breast cancer screening recommendations, please visit the following page: Access to breast cancer screening.

Your trusted source for accurate cancer information

With support from readers like you, we can continue to provide the highest quality cancer information for over 100 types of cancer.

We’re here to ensure easy access to accurate cancer information for you and the millions of people who visit this website every year. But we can’t do it alone.

Every donation helps fund reliable cancer information, compassionate support services and the most promising research. Please give today because every contribution counts. Thank you.