One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It is the most common cancer among women in France, and also one of the most treatable when detected early — in 9 out of 10 cases. This month, we’re setting new arrivals aside and supporting the French Cancer League. Here’s why, and what each of us can do.
In short
- Throughout October, we’re supporting the French Cancer League, and you can add a donation to your order.
- Around 8,000 breast cancer cases each year in France are attributable to alcohol, and the risk rises even at low levels of consumption.
- France’s national breast screening programme is for women aged 50 to 74, every two years, and is covered 100% by French national health insurance.
- Before 50, have an annual clinical examination from age 25 with a healthcare professional.
The French Cancer League, and why we support it
A charity working in local communities and the largest private funder of cancer research
Founded in 1918, the French Cancer League is France’s oldest cancer charity. An independent non-profit association under France’s 1901 law, recognised as serving the public interest and funded by public donations, it is the largest private funder of cancer research in France and is accredited by Don en Confiance.
Its work is carried out through a network of 103 departmental committees and has three main strands: funding research, providing information and promoting screening, and supporting people with cancer and their loved ones. It was this combination that convinced us: research on one hand, and on the other, volunteers running drop-in sessions, supporting patients and organising screening initiatives just a few streets away.
Preventing alcohol-related cancers has long been part of its work. We’re not neutral on this subject, and we’d rather say so.
How to take part. Throughout October, you can add a donation to your order on our website. We’ll pass it on in full to the French Cancer League. You can also donate directly to the League, volunteer with your local departmental committee, or simply share the information with others.
What the science says about alcohol
A risk factor you can do something about
Some breast cancer risk factors are beyond our control: age, family history and genetic predisposition. Alcohol, however, is one we can do something about. In France, around 8,000 cases of breast cancer each year are attributable to alcohol, according to the French National Cancer Institute.
Three key points sum up what we know.
The amount. The risk increases even at low levels of consumption. There is no threshold below which the risk is zero.
The type of drink. Wine, beer or spirits: what matters is the amount of pure alcohol consumed, not the type of drink.
The benefits of cutting back. Reducing your alcohol consumption reduces the risk, at any age and whatever your starting point.
Less is already better. It’s not all or nothing.
The organised screening programme, from age 50 to 74
An invitation every two years, with 100% of the cost covered
Every woman aged 50 to 74 receives an invitation from France’s national health insurance to have a screening mammogram every two years, with nothing to pay upfront. The images are reviewed independently by two different radiologists.
Mammography can detect 9 out of 10 breast cancers before any symptoms appear. That is why it matters: cancer detected early can be treated with less intensive treatments and is cured in the vast majority of cases. Invitations stop after age 74, but screening can continue following a discussion with your doctor.
Before age 50, and for those who do not receive an invitation
A clinical examination every year from age 25
The organised screening programme does not cover every age group. From age 25, a breast examination by a GP, gynaecologist or midwife is recommended once a year.
If you have a family or personal history of breast cancer, you will need a different, more frequent follow-up schedule. Discuss this with your doctor rather than waiting for an invitation that will not come.
Between appointments, certain changes should prompt you to seek medical advice without delay: a lump in the breast or armpit, a change to the skin or nipple, discharge, or a change in breast shape. They do not necessarily mean cancer, but they do warrant a medical opinion.
Talk about it with others
The simplest thing you can do this month
Is someone close to you over 50 and hasn’t responded to their screening invitation? Sometimes a reminder is all it takes. In France, one in two women eligible for the national screening programme does not take part, often because they forget, put it off or feel apprehensive rather than because they refuse.
This matters to men too: they account for less than 1% of breast cancer cases, but more often, they are close to someone affected by it.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the donated money go?
To the French Cancer League, a charity recognised as serving the public interest and accredited by Don en Confiance. It funds research, promotes screening and supports people with cancer. All donations collected through our website are passed on in full, with nothing deducted by us. You can also donate directly to the League and receive a tax receipt.
At what age should you start screening?
The organised mammography screening programme starts at age 50 and continues every two years until age 74. Before age 50, an annual clinical examination by a healthcare professional is recommended from age 25.
Do you have to pay for screening?
No. Under the organised screening programme, mammography is fully covered by France’s national health insurance, with nothing to pay upfront.
How much alcohol does it take for the risk to increase?
The risk increases even at low levels of consumption, with no threshold below which it is zero. What matters is the amount of pure alcohol consumed, whatever the drink.
Can men get breast cancer?
Yes, although it remains rare: less than 1% of cases. The same signs should prompt men to seek medical advice.
Where can you get support to cut down on alcohol?
Alcool Info Service offers free, anonymous support by phone on 0 980 980 930 and via chat.
Sources: French National Cancer Institute (e-cancer.fr), French Cancer League. This article is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have any personal concerns, speak to your doctor.
