She rings. Behind the door, a dog barks. “I have nothing to sell”announces Sarah Ettouati. The door opens carefully. The general practitioner explains the reason for her visit: a door-to-door awareness campaign for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening.
This Wednesday morning, two of them rang the bell at the 72 housing units in this Clou-Bouchet building, in Niort. “Even if we bring ten or twenty women for mammography, it will already be very good”indicates Sarah Ettouati, coordinator at the 79-86 cancer screening center. To give the residents confidence, they are accompanied by the two building guards. This is the third session of this type carried out in the neighborhood since the end of November, in partnership with the social landlord Deux-Sèvres Habitat.
“I have three daughters, I don’t have time to take care of them”
The doors open to young and old, men and women. “Do you have a few minutes to give me? » On a landing, a mother has her questions translated by her daughter. Sarah Ettouati is invited to return. She comes out a few minutes later. She gave the mother an appointment at the hospital for a smear test. She will come back to see her before the appointment, to be sure.
Here, a man half-opens the door. Concerned about colorectal cancer screening, he struggles to answer the doctor’s patient questions. “No, I shouldn’t have a problem. ». “It’s for everyone”assures Sarah Ettouati. He is under guardianship, informs the guard. The professional ends up taking the name of her general practitioner. “We’ll check with him to see if he’s taken the test, and if he can help you. »
Nathalie Honeker, public health officer at the 79-86 cancer screening center, during a door-to-door awareness campaign at Clou-Bouchet, in Niort, Wednesday December 11, 2024.
© (Photo NR, Thomas Roche-Bayard)
Slippers on, a lady in her sixties unlocks her door. Breast cancer screening? “I have three daughters in my care, I don’t have time to take care of thatshe explains. I’m all alone, and I don’t have many resources. » “It’s fully covered, it won’t cost you anything”clarifies Sarah Ettouati. The resident seems receptive. “I’m taking this opportunity to go further”continues the doctor, before discussing cervical cancer screening. “Want something to drink?” »she ends up being offered.
“A lack of knowledge”
In total, 1,333 women between 50 and 74 years old living in priority neighborhoods of the city (QPV) were identified in the department. More than two thirds have not been screened for breast cancer, says Sarah Ettouati. “We have to go get them. Who is coming to the stands? People who are already interested. »
The reasons for this low screening rate? “What emerges is a lack of knowledge”explains Sarah Ettouati. A situation to which are added sometimes precarious financial conditions. “For some women, their priority is not health, it’s eating”agrees Nathalie Honeker, public health officer at the cancer screening center. Added to this is the fear of the result, modesty, the fear of being in pain… So, the small team tirelessly reminds us that the screening is supported, quick and not painful.
Sarah Ettouati also reports to “social disparities” in the screening rate. And, consequently, on diagnostic delays. “It can also be an opportunity to answer certain questions about taking care of your health. »
