More breast cancer screening for Nunavik women

Women in Nunavik will soon have more access to cancer-preventing mammographies, thanks to the Quebec’s breast cancer foundation, which has given $400,000 to upgrade two mammography machines operated by Quebec’s breast cancer screening program.

A mammogram test uses x-ray technology to provide an inside look at breast tissue and spot any abnormal growths.

Quebec plans to operate two travelling mammography machines, dubbed “Clara” and “Sophie,” in regions where the tests are not available locally.

Clara is to be installed a bus that will visit communities which are connected to the Quebec road network.

Sophie will travel by ship or aircraft to Nunavik as well as to communities along the Lower North Shore and in the James Bay region.

Together the two machines will carry out about 4,000 mammograms a year.

Breast cancer-screening clinics using a portable mammography device aren’t new to Nunavik.

During the 2004 Qanuippitaa health survey, the Amundsen carried a mammography machine on board.

And, since then, cancer-screening clinics have also been held in other Nunavik communities.

Women who participate in these clinics and have normal mammogram results are informed by letter. Those with abnormal results are contacted directly by their physician.

“These days, 88 per cent of women live more than five years after being diagnosed with this illness, an achievement which can be linked to research, new medications and treatment, but also to early detection. Studies show that the earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the chances are of surviving,” said Nathalie Le Prohon, president of Quebec’s breast cancer foundation, in a July 8 news release.

Mammography in Nunavut is only available at the Qikiqtani General Hospital.

Nunavut does not yet have a breast cancer screening program.