Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The good news: detected early, it is treatable in the vast majority of cases. This is the whole point of screening and paying attention to your breasts. Understanding these steps, without excessive anxiety, allows you to give yourself the best chance.
1. Organized screening
In France, an organized screening program offers women aged 50 to 74 a mammogram every two years, covered. This examination makes it possible to detect abnormalities even before they are palpable, at a stage where treatment is often simpler and more effective.
2. Before age 50 or in case of particular risk
Women with specific risk factors (family history, predisposition) can benefit from specific monitoring, sometimes starting earlier. It is the doctor who assesses the level of risk and adapts the monitoring.
| Situation | Following |
|---|---|
| 50 – 74 years | Mammogram every 2 years |
| Family background | Individualized follow-up, sometimes earlier |
| Symptom observed | Consultation without delay |
3. Know your breasts
Beyond screening, it is useful to know the usual appearance of your breasts to spot a change: a lump, a change in the skin or nipple, discharge. Any unusual change should lead to consultation, without waiting for the next screening.
4. Act without giving in to anxiety
The vast majority of abnormalities detected are not cancers. Screening aims to reassure as much as to detect. Participating in the program and remaining attentive to your body are simple and protective actions.
- Participate in organized screening from the age of 50
- Know the usual appearance of your breasts
- Consult without delay in the event of a change
In case of doubt or risk factors, the doctor directs you towards the most appropriate follow-up.
💡 tips to remember
- Breast cancer is the most common in women, but detected early, it is treatable in the vast majority of cases.
- Organized screening offers a mammogram every 2 years from ages 50 to 74, allowing non-palpable abnormalities to be detected.
- In case family history, individualized and sometimes earlier monitoring may be offered by the doctor.
- Knowing the usual appearance of your breasts helps to spot a change (lump, modification of the skin or nipple).
- Any unusual change should lead to consultation without delay: most of the anomalies detected are not cancers.
