PINK OCTOBER: BREAST CANCER SCREENING MONTH

The earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the chances of a cure

The importance of early detection

Today, early detection not only increases the chances of a cure, but also significantly reduces the aggressiveness of treatment.

At any age

You should be regularly monitored by a GP or gynaecologist, who will not hesitate to prescribe the necessary tests if in doubt. This medical check-up should take place every 6 months, or every year from the age of 30. It's important for everyone to take responsibility for their own health by regularly performing breast self-examination.

Simple steps: http: //www.cancerdusein.org/le-depistage/lauto-examen-des-seins

Breast self-examination, or self-palpation, is a series of simple gestures which, performed every month after your period, enable you to get to know your breasts well, detect any abnormalities and report them to your doctor.

Self-examination is an added bonus for your health, but in no way replaces your regular (at least annual) visit to your gynaecologist or doctor.

From the age of 50

Your GP or gynaecologist will arrange for you to have a mammogram at least every 2 years, or every year if he or she considers it necessary.

Organised screening" for breast cancer by the public authorities concerns women aged between 50 and 74, who are invited to undergo screening every two years(mammography with double reading and clinical breast examination ), without any advance payment.

In the Bouches-du-Rhône region, the ARCADES association, with the support of the Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie, is coordinating this organised screening programme. There is no advance payment, and the screening is carried out by 2 approved radiologists. The invitation you receive contains a list of participating approved centres and serves as a prescription.

To markPink October, the French National Cancer Institute (INCO) and the Ministry of Health are working with health insurance schemes to provide women with detailed, accessible information on breast cancer screening, to help them make the right choice.

For more information, visit the PINK October partner websites