Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives

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.