{"id":108569,"date":"2026-10-22T13:00:36","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T17:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/radimed.ca\/?p=108569"},"modified":"2026-10-22T13:07:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T17:07:29","slug":"pqdcs-letter-screening-mammogram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radimed.ca\/en\/articles\/pqdcs-letter-screening-mammogram\/","title":{"rendered":"Received a Letter from the PQDCS? Here’s What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you received a letter inviting you to have a screening mammogram and are wondering why you received it and what to do next?<\/span><\/p>\n

This letter is part of the <\/span>Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS)<\/b>, which aims to promote early detection of breast cancer. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the PQDCS, and who is it for?<\/b><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participation in the program is voluntary, and screening mammograms are free for eligible women.<\/b><\/h3>\n

Who sends the PQDCS letter, and why?<\/b><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is generally mailed to eligible women every two years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Receiving this letter does not mean you have breast cancer.<\/b> It is simply an invitation to participate in the screening program.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does the PQDCS letter replace a doctor’s referral?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Yes. Your personalized PQDCS invitation letter serves as a medical referral for a screening mammogram at a designated screening centre (CDD).<\/span><\/p>\n

This means you do not need to visit your doctor just to obtain a referral for this examination.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep your letter in a safe place and bring it with you to your appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you book an appointment after receiving your letter?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Once you receive your letter, you can contact a designated screening centre directly to schedule your mammogram.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the steps to follow:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Choose a designated screening centre (CDD).<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Contact the centre directly to book your appointment.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Have your PQDCS letter handy when you call.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Follow the preparation instructions provided by the clinic when booking your appointment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How can you tell if a clinic is a designated screening centre?<\/b><\/h3>\n

    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.<\/span><\/p>\n

    These centres must meet specific quality and safety standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

    To check whether a clinic participates in the program, consult the official list of designated screening centres on the Government of Quebec website.<\/span><\/p>\n

    All Radim\u00e9d clinics that offer mammography services are designated screening centres (CDD).<\/span><\/p>\n

    How should you prepare for your mammogram at Radim\u00e9d?<\/b><\/h3>\n

    To help ensure your examination goes smoothly, please follow these preparation instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n

    What to bring:<\/b><\/h4>\n