THE ESSENTIAL
- With more than 3,100 cases diagnosed each year in France and 770 deaths, cervical cancer could be avoided in nine out of ten cases thanks to screening and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), according to INCa .
- Although the participation rate in screening has increased slightly in recent years, 40% of the women concerned do not carry out this examination regularly, compromising their chances of prevention and early treatment.
- The recommended frequency is every three years for women aged 25 to 29, then every five years from the age of 30. To simplify the process, the Jefaismondepistage.e-cancer.fr website offers direct access to online appointment platforms.
With more than 3,100 cases diagnosed each year in France and 770 deaths, cervical cancer remains a major threat for women. This cancer, whose 5-year survival rate is decreasing (63% in 2015 compared to 66% in 1990), could nevertheless be avoided in nine out of ten cases thanks to two major preventive tools: screening and vaccination against the papillomavirus. human (HPV). This is what the National Cancer Institute (INCa) points out in a press release published on January 9.
Why is regular screening essential?
Screening helps identify precancerous lesions or cancers at an early stage, before any symptoms appear. In these cases, the treatments are lighter, preserve fertility more and reduce the after-effects linked to the disease. “ Associated with vaccination against human papillomaviruses, recommended from the age of 11, this screening can eradicate this cancer ”, according to the Cancer Institute. Conversely, when cancer is diagnosed late, the care required is often more extensive and the chances of recovery decrease.
Between 2020 and 2022, the screening participation rate was 59.5%, a slight increase compared to the previous period. The fact remains that 40% of the women concerned do not carry out this examination regularly, compromising their chances of prevention and early treatment.
The examination, recommended for women aged 25 to 65, varies according to age: between 25 and 29 years, a cytological sample can detect abnormal cells; between 30 and 65 years of age, the analysis looks for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Where and how to get tested?
The recommended frequency is every three years for women aged 25 to 29, then every five years from the age of 30. Health Insurance facilitates access to this examination by sending invitations to women who have not been screened. Please also note that the analysis of the sample is covered 100% without any advance costs.
Screening can be carried out by a gynecologist, a general practitioner or a midwife, in various places: health centers, hospitals or laboratories on medical prescription. To simplify the process, the Jefaismondepistage.e-cancer.fr website offers direct access to online appointment platforms.
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