Breast changes

General notice

Notice

Women aged 70 to 74 years without any health problems that would reduce their life expectancy to less than 10 years can participate in the Québec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS) out-of-program screening. To do so, they must speak with a health professional to obtain a medical prescription.

The content of this web page will soon be updated to reflect this information.

Notice publication date: April 6, 2023

See a doctor or a health-care professional right away if you notice changes in your breasts as described in the table. You should consult your doctor even if you have recently had a mammogram and the result was normal.

Breast changes

Nipple changes

  • A lump in the breast
  • The skin of a breast has an inward fold (retraction)
  • The skin of one breast is wrinkled
  • One breast is red, and the redness covers at least a third of it
  • Sudden nipple discharge
  • A nipple that points inward into the breast
  • The skin of the nipple changes in appearance or texture (for example, it may look like eczema but doesn’t heal)

In such cases, a screening mammogram might not be the right exam for you. A doctor or health-care professional will advise you on the best procedure for your condition.