2023-09-26 07:01:24
Detected at the beginning stage, breast cancer generally offers good chances of cure. In October, Breast Cancer Month, the League Against Cancer informs the public about the most recent screening methods and those that have already proven their worth. While systematic mammography screening programs have demonstrated their effectiveness, scientific research is also working to develop personalized screening methods that are less inconvenient for women.
Dear,
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women… by far: some 6,500 women are affected by it each year in Switzerland, and the trend is increasing. At the same time, the mortality rate is falling, thanks in particular to advances in treatments and screening methods. Because detected at the beginning stage, breast cancer generally has a good chance of cure.
A mosaic of screening programs
For now, mammography remains the most effective screening method for women aged 50 and over. In fact, all Latin cantons have introduced a systematic mammography screening program; this is not the case in German-speaking Switzerland, which is why the League Against Cancer is calling on cantons not yet proposing such a program to the population to put it in place as soon as possible. In addition to the existence of an organized cantonal program, broad support from the female population constitutes another key factor; the higher the voluntary participation, the better the effectiveness
Trend towards personalization of screening
Pilot projects in different countries show that we are moving towards personalization of screening. In this context, the time of the examination and the examination method are adapted to the individual risk of breast cancer. Therefore, in the future, it is possible that the invitation for screening will no longer be addressed to the entire female population aged 50 and over, but for example – depending on personal risk – to certain women from 40 years too, while others would only be examined every three years.
Furthermore, scientific research is also moving towards the development of an alternative to mammography, capable of detecting the tumor with at least equal reliability, which delivers fewer false positive results and is less inconvenient for women. Promising results have already been obtained by high-resolution scanning, and other methods are being studied. There are also efforts to make greater use of artificial intelligence for reading and interpreting images.
Palpation does not lower the mortality rate
Knowing your chest well can sometimes help you spot a suspicious change. However, regular breast self-examination does not replace mammography. To date, there are no studies demonstrating a reduction in mortality linked to individual self-examination. This is why the League Against Cancer does not recommend it as a screening method.
Breast cancer in figures in Switzerland
6550 new cases are diagnosed each year (6500 in women, 50 in men). 1400 deaths are attributable to breast cancer. Only 5 to 10% of breast cancers in women are linked to a hereditary predisposition. 25% of women are under 50 years old at the time of diagnosis. 21 breast centers benefit from the quality label awarded by the Swiss Cancer League and the Swiss Society of Senology (SSS), which certifies the excellence of the treatment and the care. www.liguecancer.ch/q-labelCooperation with committed partners A big thank you to our partners Beldona, La Redoute, Myriad Genetics and Permamed Lubex anti-age for their support of the League against cancer and for the donation drives that they organize during breast cancer month .
The Cancer League advises, supports and informs people affected by cancer and their loved ones. It is committed in a targeted manner to prevention and screening and encourages independent cancer research. The League Against Cancer is a national association which brings together 18 cantonal and regional leagues and an umbrella organization, the Swiss League Against Cancer. It is mainly financed by donations. www.liguecancer.ch
Contact Stefanie de Borba Media Manager Swiss Cancer League [email protected] T +41 31 389 93 31
1695712593
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