In 1980 there were 22,000 new cases of breast cancer In France. More than 40 years later this figure has more than doubled and now every year61,000 new cases of breast cancer are detected and more than 12,000 women die from it. Breast cancer is now the most common cancer and deadliest in women.
At what age should you have your first mammogram?
In general, doctors recommend a first mammogram at age 40. This allows you to take stock and keep a reference image that can be consulted and compared later, in the event of a change in the quality of the tissues in a breast.
But from the age of 50, health authorities recommend doing a mammogram every two years, as part of organized screening. Women aged 50 to 74 receive a written summons at their home and can go to the approved center of their choice.
By opting for this solution, this allows the disease to be detected at an early stage. In this case, the treatments are lighter, with fewer after-effects and allow better chances of recovery. Furthermore, women benefit from a double reading, in other words their X-ray is examined by two different practitioners to minimize the risk of reading errors. This makes it possible to detect 10% of tumors that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Often, an ultrasound complements the mammogram sometimes less readable due to the complexity of breast tissue. Summern the case of dense breasts, particular risks or even family history, the gynecologist may request closer monitoring, approximately every six or eight months.
There is no age to watch your breasts
Outside of the recommended ages for screening, women should not hesitate to consult their doctor if they experience symptoms. In fact, he will be able to prescribe the appropriate examinations for them. The National Cancer Institute (Inca) reminds that an annual breast examination (including palpation) by a health professional is recommended every year from the age of 25, throughout life. .
