I Want Information

Breast cancer awareness starts with a healthy lifestyle and early screening habits.

The Foundation’s recommendations

The Foundation recommends seeing your doctor at least once per year for preventative clinical examination while observing your breasts all year long. As mentioned above, a mammography done every two years at the age of 50 years old or earlier, can improve your chances of survival. If you see any changes in the appearance of your breasts, such as a lump, redness or leaking, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Because it is better to prevent than to cure, the Foundation encourages women to adopt three practices for breast health:

1. Mammography

From the age of 50, through to the age of 69, you will receive a letter from the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (QBCSP) to remind you to have a mammography done.

Consult your doctor to find out what is best for you.

Canadian studies show that a mammography performed once every two years can lower the mortality rate from breast cancer by 25% among women aged from 50 to 69 years old. Exceptionally, some cancers can appear during the two years separating two mammographies.

2. Clinical examination

While in your twenties, consult your doctor once a year for a clinical examination consisting of a physical examination of your breasts by a qualified health care professional (family doctor, gynecologist).

3. Observation of your breasts

It is important to familiarize yourself with your breasts. Get to know your breasts at all ages. This will allow you to notice any changes between doctor appointments and mammograms.

To find out more, download our brochure of the three breast health practices. You can also look at our breast health Top 10.

If you have questions or if you are not sure how to correctly perform the breast self-examination, contact us or ask your doctor.