Lozère hospital & League Against Cancer Launch Initiative as Breast Cancer Screening Rates Stall at 50%
Lozère,France – A new partnership between lozère Hospital and the League Against Cancer aims to boost breast cancer screening rates in the region,which currently mirror the national average of just 50% participation.The initiative comes as health officials emphasize the critical link between early detection and improved outcomes, with oncologist Sufyan Annakib stressing that “a small disease is an operable disease.”
The collaboration will include workshops offering hands-on education, including the possibility for women to practice self-examination using prosthetic breasts to learn how to identify potential tumors. The campaign underscores the importance of regular check-ups and demystifies the screening process, particularly mammograms recommended for women aged 50 to 74 every two years.
“Local treatments and over a relatively short period,” is how Dr. Annakib describes treatment at early stages, contrasting it with the “heavier and longer treatments” often required when cancer is detected later. He further noted the potential for cure in cases of localized cancer, a possibility diminished when the disease has metastasized. “if you are over 50, you have to go see your GP and talk about this cancer,” he insists.
Concerns surrounding screening participation frequently enough stem from fear of diagnosis, confusion regarding Health Insurance screening letters, or anxieties about discomfort. Dr. Annakib directly addresses these concerns, stating, “Often, patients are very grateful that we have found a small disease that is therefore operable.” He clarifies that mammograms are “quite quick,” involving only two images during routine screening, and that more extensive imaging is reserved for cases where a lump is already detected.
Screening guidelines vary based on individual risk factors. Women with no history of breast cancer should undergo mammograms every two years from age 50 to 74. Those considered very high-risk may begin screening with MRI as early as age 30 or 35, while women who have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer require annual ultrasound and mammogram follow-up, with no set duration.
The hospital and League Against cancer are urging women to respond to screening invitations and consult with their doctors – including gynecologists and midwives – if they have any concerns. “Answer your letter and if you have the slightest doubt, talk to a doctor,” Dr.annakib concluded, “because there are other cancers to detect!”
