2024-04-29 22:00:00
With nearly 60,000 new cases and 12,000 deaths per year, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in France and the leading cause of cancer death. The national organized breast cancer screening program invites women aged 50 to 74 to have a screening mammogram every 2 years, supplemented by a clinical breast examination, representing a target population of nearly 10 million women. Public Health France is responsible for the epidemiological evaluation of this program and publishes each year the evolution of the participation rate at the national and regional level as well as the performance indicators. Despite the number of invitations sent, the latest data shows a participation rate which remains low (46.5% over the period 2022-2023), and down compared to the previous period (47.7% in 2021-2022 ). The evolution over recent years of the participation rate also remains complex due to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic. The cancer detection rate is steadily increasing, consistent with the observed increase in the incidence of breast cancer in the general population. Public Health France recalls the importance of being screened as part of the organized screening program in order to detect a possible anomaly or cancer at an early stage and thus increase the chances of remission.
How is women’s participation in the organized breast cancer screening program evolving?
Around 2,620,500 women underwent an organized screening mammogram in 2023, representing a national participation rate of 48.2% (versus 44.8% in 2022). An increase in participation is therefore observed in 2023 but participation over the period of the two rolling years 2022-2023 remains lower than that of 2021-2022.
Evolution of the participation rate in organized breast cancer screening, by age – Period 2005-2023
In 2022-2023, the highest regional participation rates are observed in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, Normandy and Brittany; the lowest are observed in Guyana, Corsica and PACA. While the 2022-2023 rate is stable or decreasing compared to the previous period in most regions of mainland France, an increase is observed in Hauts-de-France.
It is likely that the consequences of the COVID-19 disruptions will once once more impact the calculation of upcoming participation data.
Organized breast cancer screening program. Standardized departmental participation rates 2022-2023
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Participation rate in the organized breast cancer screening program 2022-2023 and evolution since 2005Find out more
A number of cancers detected which is gradually increasing thanks to improved screening practices
In 2019, 16,202 cancers were screened and 14,800 in 2020 because fewer women were screened in 2020. At the same time, the cancer detection rate among women who are screened is steadily increasing. This trend is consistent with the observed increase in the incidence of breast cancer in the general population. If this trend is similar in all regions, we note variations in level, with a detection rate higher in Hauts-de-France, and lower in the DROMs. These differences in levels are consistent with the incidence rates observed in these regions. The performance indicators concerning the characteristics of the cancers detected demonstrate an improvement in the practice of screening at first reading, with compliance with European targets.
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Departmental performance indicators for the breast cancer screening program over the period 2019-2020Find out more
The importance of participating in the organized breast cancer screening program
When detected at an early stage, breast cancer is more likely to be cured.
6
breast cancers in 10 are diagnosed at an early stage (limited local spread)
Public Health France recalls the importance of being screened as part of the organized screening program in order to benefit from a quality organization and thus detect a possible anomaly or cancer at an early stage, to limit treatments and thus increase the chances of remission.
Regular screening in this program of all women concerned would reduce mortality due to breast cancer.
How can you act on a daily basis to limit the risks of developing breast cancer?
Among the known risk factors for breast cancer, lifestyle factors have been identified, including alcohol consumption, smoking, overweight/obesity and lack of physical activity.
Public Health France has developed information and support systems accessible to all to understand health issues, reduce risks and adopt behaviors favorable to their health.
Learn more:
on tobacco: on alcohol consumption: on a sedentary lifestyle and obesity:
1714731401
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