October Pink

Until Oct. 31 2024

Breast cancer: One month to raise awareness about screening

Publié le 01 octobre 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

"October Pink" celebrates its 31ste birthday in 2024. The event symbolized by the pink ribbon focuses on organized screening, with the National Cancer Institute. The information and awareness campaign that takes place throughout this month of October has the slogan: "Stronger Together!".

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in France and is the main cause of death among women.

The National Cancer Institute (INCa) estimates that 80% of breast cancers occur after the age of 50. It is from this age that the INCa recommends regular screening, the most effective in order to increase the chances of cure in case of illness. Detected at an early stage, the disease usually requires less burdensome and less aggressive treatments.

FYI  

if you are between 50 and 74 years of age and have no personal or family history of the disease or symptoms, your risk level is considered “medium” and the national screening program is recommended.

The mechanism

From the age of 50 and every 2 years (in the absence of symptoms and high risk), you will receive a letter inviting you to perform breast cancer screening at home. A list of registered radiologists is attached to this invitation and you can freely choose the one you wish to consult or make an appointment with a registered radiologist outside your department of residence.

Screening consists of clinical breast examination (examination performed directly on the patient) and a mammography (X-ray examination). As part of the organized screening program, a second systematic reading of mammograms deemed normal is ensured, for safety reasons, by a second experienced radiologist. In some situations, ultrasonography of the breasts is also needed to complete mammography, for example when breast density does not allow correct interpretation of mammography.

Organized screening is 100% covered by the Health Insurance by presenting the care voucher and invitation letter sent by the Health Insurance.

Routine screening does not include people under 50. For people over 74 years of age, it should be discussed with the attending physician.

Please note

from 25 years of age, a physical examination (observation and palpation) of the breasts is recommended at least once a year, regardless of your risk level. It may be done by a primary care doctor, gynecologist, or midwife.

Please note

if you have not received this email, you can contact the screening coordination centre from your region.

If mammography was done less than 2 years ago, it is not necessary to schedule the examination. Simply indicate the date of this mammogram in the questionnaire received in the mail and inform its Regional Cancer Screening Coordination Center (CRCDC). The next invitation will be sent 2 years after this date.

All the questions you have about screening

The INCa answers all your questions about the screening program, such as:

  • I didn't receive my invitation, who should I address?
  • I've had breast cancer, am I going to get an invitation?
  • I have breast implants, is that a problem?
  • Does mammography detect all cancers that may be present?
  • Does mammography hurt?
  • How am I informed of the results?
  • What if an anomaly is detected?
  • What if I decide not to get tested?

For more information, you can also visit the practical information booklet of the National Cancer Institute.

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