Breast cancer kills 12,000 women a year. Detected early, he is nevertheless treated well. Regular monitoring, through palpation and mammography, is key.
A pink ribbon against breast cancer. Throughout this month of October awareness actions are organized in France. The objective: to make French women aware of the importance of monitoring this cancer which kills 12,000 women each year. Because breast tumors are twice as numerous today as in the 1980s. An evolution which relates to multiple factors but which is no longer inevitable. Detected early enough, breast cancer heals well. 5 years after diagnosis, 90% of patients are still alive. But for this, strict supervision must be observed, and this from an early age. On the occasion of Pink October, Why actor make the point.
How to spot cancer?
Three methods are used to monitor the progress of the breast for cancer. The first begins at the age of 25, at the gynecologist. This healthcare professional performs a clinical examination of the breasts of his patients every year. It makes it possible to identify any anomalies. This annual monitoring is doubled, every month, by an autopalpation. Before menstruation, each woman is invited to analyze any strange evolution of her breast, arm raised, facing the mirror. The visual examination is to be completed with a meticulous palpation, the fingers making small circles.
From the age of 50, women are at moderate risk of developing breast cancer. Monitoring is therefore more intensive, using a mammogram. Every two years, the French women concerned are invited to participate in the organized screening. This program opens fully supported access to a mammogram with double reading and clinical examination. The approved centers are mentioned on an invitation sent to them. The effectiveness of this strategy is undeniable: it made it possible to identify 7.5 tumors per 1,000 participants. But membership still leaves much to be desired. The government is aiming for 80% participation but only obtains 52% of responses.
In addition, 10% of women carry out screening at the individual level. They often start before the age of 50 and benefit from personalized follow-up with their gynecologist. High-risk patients – for family, personal or genetic reasons – are also subject to increased surveillance.
What is the orientation?
Once the suspicions of cancer have been raised, the diagnosis must be confirmed with a specialist in this pathology. The initial assessment consists of several different examinations: a palpation during the consultation with the oncologist, a mammogram of both breasts, and a so-called anatomopathology examination. This is a biopsy which is necessary to confirm that it is indeed a tumor. Its analysis also makes it possible to define the most suitable treatment.
How to treat cancer?
Depending on the stage of the cancer and its characteristics, several approaches can be adopted. They are sometimes combined, by combining surgery and chemotherapy for example. The objective of the techniques also varies according to the development of the tumor. If it is taken care of early, doctors will try to suppress it, to avoid metastasis or recurrence. They will use conservative or more radical surgery (mastectomy) for this, as well as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or neoadjuvant treatment depending on the results of the biopsy.
If the diagnosis was made at a more advanced stage, the team will focus on slowing her development and improving the patient’s comfort, notably by limiting the symptoms.
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