Every year in October, the world comes together to support a vitally important cause: raising awareness about breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Day has become much more than just an awareness campaign; it is a global movement that aims to educate, encourage early detection, and mobilize efforts to defeat this disease that affects millions of people around the world.
Breast cancer is far from being a rare disease
The finding is clear: breast cancer is the most frequently observed cancer in women in France, as well as in the European Union and the United States. It thus represents more than a third of all new cases of cancer in women. And, although the number of cases observed each year has tended to decrease since 2005, this disease remains the leading cause of death from cancer in women in 2023.
The mortality rate has, however, steadily declined since the 1980s. This can be explained in particular by therapeutic progress as well as by the evolution of screening practices . Indeed, thanks to screening, the diagnosis can be established at an earlier stage. Thus, there is a survival rate for women diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 of 88% at 5 years. However, although it is a cancer with a good chance of survival, it remains a serious disease that requires significant mobilization.
What causes breast cancer?
Normally, the body's cells multiply in a controlled manner to replace old or damaged cells. However, sometimes these cells do not function properly and multiply in an uncontrolled manner. This phenomenon is responsible for the formation of a tumor. Different types of breast cancer exist . However, what makes breast cancer particularly fearsome is its ability to evolve. Indeed, cancer cells have the ability to spread to other organs, a process known as metastasis. Generally, the development of breast cancer takes several months or even years.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. These mainly include:
- Age . Nearly 80% of breast cancers occur after age 50.
- Lifestyle factors such as alcohol or tobacco consumption, being overweight or not getting enough physical activity.
- Family medical history , primarily history of cancer.
- Personal medical history.
- Genetic predisposition. In fact, 5 to 10% of breast cancers are of genetic origin.
However, it is important to understand that a person with one or more risk factors may never develop cancer. And, conversely, it is possible for a person with no risk factors to develop this cancer.
What are the main symptoms of breast cancer?
The most common signs include:
- A lump or hardness in the breast or armpit, sometimes painful.
- A change in the skin of the breast such as deformation, ulceration, inflammation or change in size. Eczema or erythema of the areola or nipple may also be observed.
- A discharge or oozing from the nipple.
Unfortunately, the first symptoms usually appear at an advanced stage of the disease. This is why screening plays a crucial role in detecting breast cancer.
Prevention: a crucial step
Screening is essential since it directly impacts the vital prognosis in the case of cancer. In France, different screening methods can be considered.
Organized breast cancer screening
Organized breast cancer screening is a program that aims to ensure equitable access to medical surveillance for a specific group of women. This program mainly targets women aged 50 to 74 who do not have apparent symptoms and who do not have high or very high risk factors for breast cancer.
Women who fall into this category are invited to participate in screening through an invitation letter sent by the health authorities. This screening is scheduled every two years and includes both a mammogram , a special breast X-ray, and a clinical examination carried out by a health professional.
In the event of a suspicious image being discovered during mammography, a complete diagnostic assessment is immediately initiated to determine the nature of the abnormality. However, despite the importance of this initiative, the participation rate of women in organized screening still remains below medical recommendations, thus highlighting the need to continue awareness-raising and education on the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
Self-palpation
Breast self-examination also plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. To practice this method of self-monitoring, it is imperative to follow a set of simple steps. Initially, it is advisable to perform self-examination after menstruation, when the breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender.
- Step 1: Observation. To perform a visual inspection of the chest, stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. The goal is to monitor the appearance of any suspicious elements. Thus, it is important to look for any changes in size, shape or color, as well as any unusual deformation or lump.
- Step 2: Palpation. To do this, raise the arm to be examined above the head. The opposite hand will then be used to perform the palpation. Using the index, middle and ring fingers, make small circular movements over the entire surface of the breasts as well as under the armpits. It is important to apply enough pressure to feel for any lumps or induration. Finally, the nipple should be pressed to ensure that there is no discharge. This procedure should also be repeated for the other breast.
It is highly recommended to repeat this self-examination regularly . This method is essential to detect any suspicious changes at an early stage. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that it cannot replace regular mammograms and medical examinations.
If an abnormality is detected, immediate consultation with a health professional is required for further evaluation. Any suspicion of cancer warrants rapid specialist advice .
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
When an abnormality is identified during a screening examination or in the presence of suspicious symptoms, a series of tests are usually necessary to establish a diagnosis of breast cancer. The diagnosis is mainly based on the anatomopathological examination of tissues taken from the area with abnormalities (biopsy) .
In about 90% of cases, breast cancer is detected through screening (individual or organized). On the other hand, diagnoses based on the first clinical signs represent only a minority, or 10% of cases. In 2023, the average age at diagnosis was 64 years.
Breast cancer in men: a reality that is still too little known
Although they are less developed than in women, men also have breasts. Thus, men can also contract breast cancer. This pathology remains rare, however - it represents less than 1% of breast cancers. The symptoms, the progression of the disease and its management (diagnosis, treatment, follow-up) are essentially identical. in men and women.
In short, Pink October is much more than an awareness campaign. It is an annual reminder of the importance of the fight against breast cancer, the need for early detection, and the global commitment to defeat this devastating disease.
References:
National Cancer Institute. Breast cancer: key points.
High Authority of Health. (February 2015). Screening and prevention of breast cancer.
Montpellier University Hospital. My advice sheet – Self-examination of the breasts.
