Here we are in October! It’s a month of transition, leading us gently into the cold season, hot meals and our woollies… October is also a month marked by the breast cancer awareness campaign!
This month is an opportunity to talk about this disease to the women around us, to our mothers, sisters and friends, to remind them of the need for regular check-ups! Why is raising awareness so important? Let’s find out!
Early diagnosis improves chances of recovery
« Pink October is all very well, but breast cancer is a year-round problem, » explains Annie Brousse, president of the association Vivre comme avant. » At the association, we’re shocked and surprised that so few women go for screening, » she laments.
In fact, according to a Santé Publique France survey in 2023, less than one in two women aged 50 to 74 (47.7%) underwent breast cancer screening mammography in the 2021-2022 period.
However, « with almost 60,000 new cases and 12,000 deaths a year, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in France, and the 1st cause of cancer-related death « , says Santé Publique France.
Today, thanks to medical progress, there is a real chance of a cure! By taking part in screening, you can detect any abnormality or cancer at an early stage, thereby increasing your chances of recovery!
Good to know: « Women aged 50 to 74 are invited to have a free screening mammogram every two years, to detect any abnormality or cancer as early as possible, before symptoms appear, » says Santé Publique France.
Little or no consideration for screening
Awareness-raising among women is necessary, as screening is slowing down, particularly in the 50 to 74 age group. The Ligue contre le cancer has conducted a survey to find out the reasons for this abstention.
« In France, 1.3 million women aged 50 to 74 have never been screened for breast cancer. This figure is due to a number of factors, including lack of symptoms, fear of pain, fear of diagnosis and lack of information, » explains the Ligue contre le cancer.
Good to know: From the age of 25 (and throughout one’s life), it is recommended to have a gynecological follow-up consultation for a breast examination. Self-monitoring is also necessary.
October Rose is a campaign designed to raise awareness of breast cancer screening, improve communication and reinforce prevention.
If Pink October is so important in France, it’s because breast cancer still affects so many women! It is estimated that one in eight women will be affected by breast cancer in her lifetime.