/medias/6cOIUcKx8a/image/Design_sans_titre__64_1759740518777-format16by9.png)
Charente-Maritime Breast Cancer Screening Faces Critical Delays, Lowest Rates in Region
Saint-jean d’Angély, France – Women in Charente-Maritime are experiencing meaningful delays-up to five to six months-in accessing crucial breast cancer screening mammograms, contributing to what health officials describe as the region’s lowest screening rates. The situation is particularly acute in Royan, Saint-Jean d’Angély, and Saintes, prompting urgent efforts to bolster mammography capacity.
The League Against Cancer is actively supporting the acquisition of mammographers, particularly in Saint-Jean d’Angély, with financial contributions. A new installation project is planned for Royan Hospital, possibly next year, aiming to improve access across the department.
“People must go constantly on The IRSA website to see if slots are released. It’s very stressful,” a health official stated, referencing the website https://www.irsa-imagerie.com/. Some women are traveling as far as Marennes from La rochelle to receive testing, but mobility remains a barrier for many.
The delays are leading to women abandoning screening altogether. “As of these deadlines, some are discouraged and drop,” officials noted, adding that screening rates are even lower in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Adding to the concern, healthcare providers are observing a trend of younger patients-sometimes in their forties-being diagnosed with breast cancer, outside the current organized screening program which begins at age 50. Discussions are underway with health authorities regarding the possibility of lowering the screening age to 45, though the financial implications are substantial.
“Why do we have such young cases?” health professionals are questioning, suggesting potential links to environmental factors, diet, and lifestyle choices. They are also observing a rise in diagnoses among young mothers, often raising children alone.
Breast cancer screening is fully covered by French health insurance for women aged 50 to 74, with an invitation letter and a list of approved radiologists sent every two years. The official list is available on the Health Insurance website: https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/cancer-sein/depistage-organise-50-74-ans.
