Mammogram

A mammogram is a breast X-ray using a low dose of X-rays

There are two types of mammograms:

The screening mammogram is a simple exam that can detect tumors before they are palpable. This exam is currently recognized as the most effective method to detect breast cancer.

The diagnostic mammogram is prescribed when the results obtained with a screening mammogram are not clear or are interpreted as uncertain. In reality, in about 10% of women who undergo a screening mammogram, the results are interpreted as uncertain. In these cases, we use additional exams to determine the exact diagnosis. In the vast majority of cases, there is no breast cancer.

Screening mammogram is for all women over 50 years of age. If there is a family history of breast cancer, screening can begin earlier.

Exam offered
appointment.

Make an appointment

+Make an appointment

Make an appointment by calling the Radiologie PB clinic of your choice:
- The Longueuil clinic located on Chambly Road: (450) 646-3520
- Beloeil / Saint-Hilaire: 450-467-6272

PLEASE NOTIFY US IF YOU HAVE BREAST IMPLANTS

+Duration of the exam

- If you have an appointment for a screening mammogram:
- About 15 minutes. 30 minutes if you have breast implants (requires twice as many images).
- You should allow 30 to 90 minutes for the entire duration of your visit.
- If you have an appointment for a diagnostic mammogram:
- 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the required number of pictures
- You should allow 30 to 90 minutes for the entire duration of your visit.

+Cost of the exam

The cost of this exam is covered by the RAMQ (free of charge).*

*Screening mammogram is covered by the Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ) once a year with a request signed by a doctor and once every two years with a letter of invitation from the Québec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS).
*Diagnostic mammogram is covered by the Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ) with a request signed by a doctor.
*An ultrasound may be necessary following a diagnostic mammogram. You are free to have the ultrasound done at the place of your choice (hospital or clinic). Additional charges apply if you decide to have it done at our clinic. (Click here to see our rates).

+Registration

You must register at the front desk upon arrival at the clinic.

Make sure to bring the following with you:
- Your health insurance card (RAMQ)
- A valid prescription signed by your doctor or an invitation letter from the PQDCS

To avoid any delays, we recommend you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

PLEASE NOTIFY US IF YOU HAVE BREAST IMPLANTS

+Preparation

Do not apply cream, powder, deodorant, or perfume the day of your mammogram.

+The exam

After registering, a member of our team will call you and escort you to the changing room where you will put on an exam gown and remove any jewelry or other metal objects that may affect the image quality.

To obtain accurate images, the technologist will perform a breast compression. Some patients feel some discomfort or a slight pain during those few seconds of compression. The technologist will take all necessary precautions to minimize this discomfort.

It is important to carefully follow the instructions in order to carry out the exam correctly and to ensure quality images.

+Results

Your mammogram is analyzed by the radiologist after your departure. If additional images are required (in 10% of cases), we will contact you directly to make a new appointment. The final report is sent to your doctor within 24-48 hours.

+Remember to...

- It is VERY IMPORTANT to bring your previous mammograms and ultrasounds (on film or CD) and the reports pertaining to these
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to fill out a questionnaire
- Notify the technologist if you are pregnant or think you might be, or if you have breast implants
- Bring your health insurance card (RAMQ)
- Bring a valid prescription signed by a physician or a letter of invitation from the PQDCS