Le Point magazine said that cancer is the first cause of premature death in France, and wondered: Can it be avoided or detected better? Are there tests that should be done at puberty with the progress in medical research and the improvement of diagnostic methods?
To answer such questions and learn more about the topic, the magazine contacted Dr. Pamela Upday, an oncologist at the Gustave Roussy Institute who works within the “Interception” program, which is a national program for personal cancer prevention launched by the institute.
The oncologist stressed – according to the report prepared by Gaëlle Le Bourg for the magazine – the importance of early detection, and said that it “allows cancer to be detected at an early stage with the aim of treating it curatively and also allows to reduce deaths,” noting that France has 3 organized detection programs for breast, cervical, and colon cancer, in addition to other examinations.
The doctor revealed 9 basic examinations that all adults should do for early detection of cancer, stressing that this examination is capable of significantly reducing deaths, and that the type and frequency of examination depend on age, gender, and risk factors.
Cervical cancer
The doctor stressed the importance of cervical cancer screening for women, starting at the age of 25 through cytological examination, then testing for human papillomavirus every 5 years until the age of 65, after which continuation of screening can be discussed depending on the health condition.
breast cancer
In the absence of special risk factors, breast cancer detection begins at the age of 50 to 74 years, through mammography every two years, with individual follow-up thereafter depending on health status and risk factors.
In high-risk cases, the examination begins earlier and includes additional examinations, bearing in mind that a self-examination of the breast does not replace a medical examination, and one must pay attention to changes in size and shape and the presence of secretions or lumps, and see a doctor if you notice any of them.
Colon cancer
As for colorectal cancer detection, it is directed at both men and women between the ages of 50 and 74 through a stool test that is repeated every two years. It is able to reduce deaths by up to 30%, and in high-risk cases, this test is replaced by a colonoscopy.
If there is a family history, chronic intestinal inflammation, or previous polypectomy, the test is replaced by a colonoscopy, and there are special tracks within the “Interception” program for those who have a genetic or high risk.
Lung cancer
The doctor explains that lung cancer remains the most common cause of death in France, and that screening via low-dose CT scan for heavy smokers between 50 and 74 years old helps prevent one in every 5 deaths.
Screening includes those who smoked heavily for long periods, and it is required that quitting smoking must not have exceeded 15 years of age, noting that a national pilot program for lung cancer detection is scheduled to be launched in 2026.
melanoma
As for skin cancer (melanoma), although there is no organized screening program, people who are more susceptible to it, such as those with fair skin or those with a large number of moles, are invited to have an annual examination with a dermatologist and perform a periodic self-examination.
Except in high-risk cases, everyone should monitor their skin for any new moles, changes in size, shape or color, sores or anything that looks different from other moles, in which case a doctor should be consulted.
Prostate cancer
The doctor points out that screening for prostate cancer in men is not recommended on a large scale due to the risks of overdiagnosis, except in cases associated with genetic factors or high risk.
Prostate-specific antigen screening and anal palpation are tests with limited accuracy, and may lead to overdiagnosis of what are known as indolent, non-serious cancers, exposing the patient to unnecessary treatments. Therefore, general screening is not recommended, except in cases of genetically high risk.
Cancers of the nose, throat and mouth
The medical team also calls for vigilance regarding long-term symptoms in smokers or drinkers to detect cancers of the nose, throat and mouth, because tobacco and alcohol are the main factors, and their effect doubles when consumed together.
Therefore, Pamela Abdayem believes that an ear, nose and throat doctor should be consulted if symptoms appear that do not go away, such as a mouth ulcer, persistent hoarseness, a change in the voice, and long-term laryngitis.
Bladder cancer
The specialist indicated that there is no detection of bladder cancer, and therefore one must pay attention to signs, such as the presence of blood in the urine, as this may indicate bladder cancer, especially in smokers, and then an examination must be performed.
Testicular cancer
For testicular cancer, which is more common in young men, the doctor recommends performing regular self-examination and seeing a doctor if you notice any painless lump that is increasing in size.
Abdayem explains that there are no other proven tests for early detection of various cancers in a comprehensive manner, warning against relying on so-called “comprehensive tests” that are not scientifically proven.
The specialist concludes by emphasizing that 50% of cancers in France are linked to factors that can be avoided, most notably smoking, then alcohol, obesity and malnutrition. Therefore, she recommends following a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and protecting the skin from the sun, especially in children.