2023-10-08 03:32:10
80% of breast cancers occur following the age of 50. This screening, fully covered by social security, is essential. Despite all this communication, the number of women participating in screening has been declining for ten years and the covid crisis has not improved the statistics.
In the Region, it is in Indre that this screening works least well : only 50.9% of women make an appointment for a mammogram following the mail they receive from the age of 50. In Cher, it is barely better with 52.4%. We were at more than 60% ten years ago. An increased decline with covid, but not only that, estimates Doctor Fetissof, doctor coordinating screening in Cher and Loir-et-Cher: ” We know that doctors are at the heart of the system. Today, this is a little less the case with medical demographic problems, particularly in rural areas. It is estimated that the screening program can reduce breast cancer mortality by 15 to 20%.
After age 50, a mammogram is required every two years. © Radio France – Michel Benoit
Screening makes it possible to identify 7 cancers per 1000 women x-rayeds, and often at an early stage. Which improves the chances of survival. From January 1, health insurance will take over invitations to be tested, explains Patricia Seneson, from the CPAM du Cher: ” In the future, we will do two reminders, one at six months and another at twelve months to encourage women to make an appointment for a mammogram. Currently, there is only one reminder.” Et since last year, treating doctors are also called uponadds Patricia Seneson: “ Now, health insurance is sending the lists of names of their patients who have not been screened so that they, doctors, can use their powers of persuasion. This is valid for the three screenings organized in France: breast cancer, colorectal cancer and cervical cancer.” You still need to have a treating doctor…
Don’t put your invitation to get tested in the trash, like one in two women over the age of fifty. © Radio France – Michel Benoit
The benefit of this breast cancer screening is also thatit includes double reading of mammograms by two different doctors to improve diagnosis : ” We always compare today’s mammogram with the previous mammogram to see if there is any change in the situation, explains Doctor Akueté Ayivi-Togbassa. Cancer is visible in the form of a white spot on the x-ray, or in the form of micro calcification, like white grains of sand which can be suspicious if they are numerous and grouped. Here there are two small ones, but it’s not alarming. This is not considered an anomaly. I record my observations, I compare them with the first opinion which is consistent with mine. The x-ray will therefore be sent back to the patient. In 5 to 7% of cases, cancer is identified on the second reading.” Artificial Intelligence is not yet used in the analysis of mammograms as part of national screening, a legislative problem that will need to be adapted…
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