October, breast cancer awareness month is about more than just raising awareness of breast cancer. It’s about helping to raise funds in support of breast cancer research, empowering systems such as the Québec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS) and encouraging the women in your life to be tested.

Over the past 10 years, the breast cancer death rate dropped due to treatments and regular screening. Early screening is the best protection against this cancer and especially mammograms. This is why it is important to inform women about screening and to facilitate access to mammograms.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the most common cancer among women aged 50 and over. In Québec, it is estimated that one in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 70 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each day.

Since 1998, the Québec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS) has enabled women aged 50 to 69 to have access to a free screening mammogram every two years. Ensure that your friends, co-workers and family are aware of the importance of early screening, a few words can sometimes save a life.

Benefits of mammograms

• Reduce breast cancer mortality: The main goal of screening and of mammograms is to reduce breast cancer deaths in women. We have seen a decline in mortality among women aged 50 and over who get screened regularly (every 2 years)

• Increase chances of being cured: Mammograms are known to be effective to detect breast cancer at an early stage. They can detect smaller cancers, which are easier to treat (see the Canadian Cancer Society’s Thingamabob site for more details).

• Reduce the need for heavy treatment: Mammograms reduce the probability of needing heavy treatment (chemotherapy) or mutilation (removal of the entire breast).

• Keep track of your health: Regular screening mammograms help keep track of the health of your breasts.

• To make an informed decision: find out more about screening mammograms and the Québec Breast Cancer Screening Program.
• Visit their web page: I believe in mammograms. And you?I believe in mammograms. And you?
• Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation: https://rubanrose.org/en

Read More:
– Self-compression mammography an effective less-painful breast screening approach – French study
– Increase cancer risk associated with textured breast implants – Quebec issues warning

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