Have you received a letter inviting you to have a screening mammogram and are wondering why you received it and what to do next?
This letter is part of the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS), which aims to promote early detection of breast cancer. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is the PQDCS, and who is it for?
The Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS) is a Quebec government initiative that invites eligible women between the ages of 50 and 74 to have a screening mammogram every two years.
Mammograms can detect certain breast abnormalities before any symptoms appear. Screening can help identify breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is generally more effective.
Participation in the program is voluntary, and screening mammograms are free for eligible women.
Who sends the PQDCS letter, and why?
The invitation letter is sent by the PQDCS Regional Service Coordination Centre (CCSR) as part of the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services’ screening program.
It is generally mailed to eligible women every two years.
Receiving this letter does not mean you have breast cancer. It is simply an invitation to participate in the screening program.
Does the PQDCS letter replace a doctor’s referral?
Yes. Your personalized PQDCS invitation letter serves as a medical referral for a screening mammogram at a designated screening centre (CDD).
This means you do not need to visit your doctor just to obtain a referral for this examination.
Keep your letter in a safe place and bring it with you to your appointment.
How do you book an appointment after receiving your letter?
Once you receive your letter, you can contact a designated screening centre directly to schedule your mammogram.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose a designated screening centre (CDD).
- Contact the centre directly to book your appointment.
- Have your PQDCS letter handy when you call.
- Follow the preparation instructions provided by the clinic when booking your appointment.
How can you tell if a clinic is a designated screening centre?
A designated screening centre (CDD) is a facility authorized by the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services to perform mammograms as part of the PQDCS.
These centres must meet specific quality and safety standards.
To check whether a clinic participates in the program, consult the official list of designated screening centres on the Government of Quebec website.
All Radiméd clinics that offer mammography services are designated screening centres (CDD).
How should you prepare for your mammogram at Radiméd?
To help ensure your examination goes smoothly, please follow these preparation instructions.
What to bring:
- Your health insurance card.
- Your PQDCS invitation letter.
- A list of any vaccines you have received in the past year.
Before your appointment:
- Arrive at the clinic 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
- Do not apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powder or lotion to your underarms or breast area on the day of your mammogram.
Important information to share:
When booking your appointment, please let us know:
- If you have received a vaccine within the past six weeks.
- If you have limited mobility.
- If you have breast implants.
This information will help our team prepare for your visit and accommodate your needs.
What happens after your mammogram?
After your examination, you will receive a copy of your results by mail.
A copy of the medical report will also be sent to the doctor responsible for your follow-up care and to the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS).
In some cases, additional imaging or tests may be needed to clarify a finding. This does not necessarily mean that breast cancer has been detected.
What should you do if you’ve lost your PQDCS letter?
If you’ve lost your letter, never received one or have recently moved, contact the Regional Service Coordination Centre (CCSR) in your area.
The centre can verify your eligibility and issue a replacement letter if needed.
Your Screening Mammogram at Radiméd
All Radiméd clinics offering mammography services are designated screening centres (CDD) participating in the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS).
To find out which clinics offer this service, visit our Mammography page.
Have you received your PQDCS letter and would like to book an appointment?
Contact the Radiméd clinic of your choice directly to check availability and schedule your screening mammogram.
