Prevalence, detection, risk factors… Inca has produced new figures on breast cancer in France.
- In 2017, the prevalence of breast cancer was estimated at 913,089 people.
- 60% of breast cancers diagnosed in France are detected at an early stage.
- Among cancers attributable to alcohol consumption, breast cancer is the most common.
At the start of Pink October breast cancer awareness month, let’s take a look at what it says the latest report from the Inca (National Cancer Institute) on this pathology.
Breast cancer: how prevalent?
“61,214 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in 2023 (+0.3% per year), and 12,600 women died from it in 2021 (-1.3% per year)”, can we first read in the document.
The median age at breast cancer diagnosis is 64 years, and the standardized 5-year net survival rate for women diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 is 88%.
In 2017, the prevalence of breast cancer was estimated at 913,089 people.
Breast cancer: at what stage is it most detected?
Furthermore, 60% of breast cancers diagnosed in France are detected at an early stage. “Detection of breast cancer at an early stage of its development makes it easier to treat, but also to limit the after-effects linked to certain treatments,” indicates the National Cancer Institute.
To promote early detection, several actions exist: special monitoring of patients at increased risk, consultation of a doctor in the event of a change in the breasts, clinical examination every year from the age of 25, screening mammography every two years between 50 and 74 years old without symptoms or risk factors other than age.
“After age 74, screening is not abandoned, but individualized,” specifies the Inca. “Specific monitoring methods are recommended for women with medical, personal or family history as well as certain genetic predispositions,” completes the institution.
Breast cancer: what are the risk factors?
Finally, the risk factors for breast cancer are as follows:
– age (80% of breast cancers develop after age 50);
– personal and family medical history;
– alcohol and tobacco consumption;
– overweight;
– lack of physical activity;
– certain hormonal treatments for menopause;
– genetic predispositions;
– not having breastfed.
“Among cancers attributable to alcohol consumption, breast cancer is the most common,” emphasize the specialists. “Reducing your alcohol consumption, monitoring your weight, stopping smoking, moving and eating a varied/balanced diet reduce the risk of developing the disease,” they add. “It is estimated that nearly 20,000 breast cancers could be avoided each year (i.e. a third of new cases of cancer for the year 2018)”, they finish.
