Breast Cancer Screening

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. The cancer can develop in different areas of the breast such as the lobules or ducts, leading to different types of breast cancer including invasive doctor or invasive lobular carcinoma.

What are the benefits of getting screened?

Breast Cancer screening serves as a tool to help prevent development of cancer to a point where it has spread too much, and it is too late for the patient. Breast cancer screening via a mammogram is the main method to help doctors detect breast cancer before any physical lumps form.

Who is at risk?

The incidence of cases is significantly higher in women compared to men, with breast cancer being the second leading cause of death due to cancer in Canadian women. Breast cancer is typically diagnosed in women 50 years or older

What are the associated risk factors?

Research has shown that there are plenty of non-genetic risk factors that could influence the development of breast cancer in patients, this includes:

• Hormones (early menarche, fertility treatments, hormone supplements) is the #1 risk factor for breast cancer

• Exposure to ionizing radiation

• Alcohol consumption

• Smoking

• Physical inactivity

What are the current screening recommendations?

The recommendations for screening change based on the age of the patient

• Women aged 40-49 years are recommended to speak with their doctor concerning their individual risk before getting screened with a mammography

• Women aged 50-74 years are recommended to get screened with a mammography every 2-3 years

• Women aged 75+ years are recommended to discuss with their doctor whether getting a mammogram is right for their individual case

Do not hesitate to make an appointment with our clinic in Montreal; we will meet all of your expectations at. We are here to help you at 514 400 3291.

How is breast cancer screened?

The main method of screening patients for breast cancer is the mammography. A mammography is an x-ray of the breast which allows doctors to look for signs that could indicate potential cancer development.