Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives
The most common cancer in women worldwide
Dr. Valérie Perrin
Oncologist
In simple terms
With 2.3 million new cases per year, breast cancer is the most diagnosed worldwide. Detected early, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 90%.
Epidemiology
Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide with 2.3 million new cases in 2020. It primarily affects women, but about 1% of cases occur in men. In France, 1 in 8 women will be affected during their lifetime. The 5-year survival rate is 87% across all stages, and exceeds 99% for cancers detected at an early stage.
Risk factors
Age (increasing risk after 50), family history, BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, prolonged hormone replacement therapy, post-menopausal obesity, alcohol consumption, and sedentary lifestyle. Breastfeeding and regular physical activity are protective factors.
Screening
Mammography every 2 years is recommended between 50 and 74 years as part of organized screening. Monthly self-examination helps detect abnormalities between mammograms. Breast MRI is offered to women at high genetic risk.
Treatments
Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies (trastuzumab for HER2+ tumors) are combined according to the stage and molecular subtype. Immunotherapy is now added to the arsenal for certain triple-negative cancers.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Risk factor
- Something that makes an illness more likely, such as smoking or family history.
- Hormone
- A chemical messenger made by your body that tells organs what to do.
- Immune system
- Your body's defence team: cells that fight germs and repair damage.
- Screening
- A check-up done before you feel ill, to catch a problem early.
- Genetic
- Passed down in your family through your genes.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives?
- With 2.3 million new cases per year, breast cancer is the most diagnosed worldwide. Detected early, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 90%.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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