In 2022-2023, less than one in two French women (48.2%) participated in organized breast cancer screening.
- 61,214 new cases of breast cancer were reported in our territory in 2023, and 12,600 French women died from it in 2021.
- Given the importance of these figures, the National Cancer Institute invites women to regularly screen for breast cancer when they are old enough to do so.
- Organized breast cancer screening is recommended for women aged 50 to 74 without risk factors or symptoms.
In a new press release, the National Cancer Institute (Inca) invites women to carry out their breast cancer screening regularly when they are old enough to do so.
Breast cancer: “in the majority of cases, nothing is detected”
In order to support his argument, he begins by mentioning three good reasons to get tested:
Reason #1: “the earlier a cancer is detected, the better it is treated and cured.”
Reason n°2: “it’s easy, by making an appointment”.
Reason #3: “in the majority of cases, nothing is detected and you are reassured”.
In 2022-2023, less than one in two French women (48.2%) participated in organized breast cancer screening, a figure which remains insufficient for the INCa. “Many reasons are given: lack of time, not feeling concerned, fear of the exam or the result…”, explain the specialists.
Organized breast cancer screening is recommended for women aged 50 to 74 without risk factors or symptoms. The examination, 100% covered by Health Insurance, consists of a mammogram and a clinical breast examination.
Carried out by specially trained radiologists, screening examinations make it possible to detect a possible abnormality or cancer early, often even before the first symptoms appear. “In this case, breast cancer is curable 9 times out of 10 with generally lighter treatments and less serious after-effects,” underlines the INCa. “Each year, more than 10,000 aggressive cancers are detected thanks to the national program and are thus treated earlier,” he adds.
Breast cancer screening: direct access to the list of approved radiologists
Furthermore, the institute indicates that it has opened a new space: Jefaismondepistage.e-cancer.fr. “It brings together all the information on organized screening for breast cancer but also for colorectal cancer and cervical cancer” explains the INCa. “For breast cancer screening, direct access to the list of approved radiologists is offered”, specify the experts.
61,214 new cases of breast cancer were reported in our territory in 2023, and 12,600 French women died from it in 2021.The risk factors for breast cancer are:
– age (80% of breast cancers develop after 50 years);
– personal and family medical history;
– alcohol and tobacco consumption;
– overweight;
– lack of physical activity;
– certain hormonal treatments for menopause;
– genetic predispositions;
– not having breastfed.
