Cancer screening: France must “redouble its efforts”.

Breast, colorectal and cervical cancer screening is inadequate, the National Cancer Institute and Health Insurance warned this Friday.

The two organizations are therefore calling for “general mobilization” for more screening by the new body.

It’s a fact: the French don’t get enough screening for cancer, which is the leading cause of death in the country. As February 4 approaches, World Cancer Day, the National Cancer Institute (INCA) and Health Insurance (CNM) want to improve screening for breast, colorectal and cervical cancer in particular. Because it is identified early, cancer is better cured and usually with fewer treatments and after effects.

However, there are three national screening programs for breast cancer (mammography and clinical examination every two years for women aged 50 to 74), cervical cancer (women aged 25 to 65, separate screening before and after 30 years) and colorectal (stool occult blood test). A screening program exists. every two years for men and women aged 50 to 74). But according to the two organizations, despite the invitations, the French are very reluctant to take action.

The room for progress is significant.

Catherine Grenier, director of policyholders at Cnam

“Partnership remains inadequate”During a press conference expressed regret to the General Director of Inca Thierry Breton. “For breast cancer, we are definitely at 47%, but the trend is downwards; for colorectal cancer, we are failing collectively with participation of 34%, which is very low compared to the targets of 60-70%; for cervical cancer , we are at 60%, but the objective is 80%”He summarized.

Not only is France lagging behind other countries, especially in northern Europe, but its ten-year strategy to fight cancer sets a target of 1 million additional screenings by 2025. “Space is critical to progress,” Added Catherine Grenier, director of policyholders at Cnam. For example, if 65% of eligible French people participated in colorectal cancer screening, 6,600 deaths could be avoided each year.

“double up”

To pick up a variety “breaks”,

The purpose is to put “Double Sting” through “New Organization”, according to Theory Breton. For invitations and reminders, the health insurance took over the management at the beginning of 2024, until the regional cancer screening centers are carried out, but it is considered unsatisfactory. Through mail, email, SMS, Health Insurance wishes to strengthen contacts with French, if necessary. “double up”Assured to Catherine Grenier.

Far from the most fragile and healthcare systems (beneficiaries of supplementary solidarity health insurance, insurance without a treating doctor, etc.), there will also be calls, according to the “go to” system, such as anti-Covid vaccination in 2021. More than 100 teleadvisors have also been appointed on seven platforms in mainland France and abroad and have been trained to support interviews when making an appointment or receiving a kit. According to the director of policyholders, Cnam will allocate a total of about 30 million euros to this double system (invitations and “go to”).

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In recent years, access to cervical and colorectal cancer screening has been facilitated, assure organizations. For the first, the examination is now possible with midwives or general practitioners in addition to gynecologists. For another, kits are available from 2022 on the internet or in pharmacies, no longer just from a doctor. A site (JeFaisMonDepistage.e-cancer.fr) brings together information on screening and also allows you to order kits or make an appointment.

Beyond that, other developments are possible, and according to Thierry Breton, discussions are underway on a possible national lung cancer screening. The pilot program will start this year.