Every year the month of October is dedicated to the fight and awareness of breast cancer. With more than 61,000 new cases recorded in 2023, it is the most common cancer among women in France. In support of the cause, the City of Chambéry will light the Elephant Fountain throughout the month of October to challenge Chambéry residents and raise awareness of the importance of prevention and screening.
Breast cancer screening
Since 2004, national screening has been offered to women aged 50 to 74 every two years. It consists of a mammogram, an x-ray of the breasts which can detect suspicious lesions. Organized screening is an effective tool for reducing breast cancer mortality. It helps detect cancer at an early stage, when treatments are most effective.
Thus, currently, 48.2% of women are screened as part of the organized screening program. There is still work to be done to increase this participation rate.
On the occasion of Pink October, breast cancer prevention month, the CHMS is organizing several awareness-raising actions.
actions for the mobilization day
A day of mobilization among the general public is organized Thursday October 10, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.:
- With the ERMIOS supportive care service: “I screen myself” workshop by learning self-palpation gestures on a realistic bust, demonstration of supportive care (socioesthetics and chair massage).
- With the CHMS gynecological surgery department: presentation of therapeutic communication/hypnosis activities by the healthcare team and gentle mobilization after surgery by physiotherapists. Message tree for patients in the department.
- Various activities with the Odysséa and 4S associations (Sport, Health, Savoie solidarity).
Square cushion making
This year, the CHMS is offering the general public the opportunity to create “strap protection cushions” (belt, backpack, handbag type straps, etc.) for women with an implantable port.
In fact, this device, positioned under the collarbone, allows chemotherapy treatment to be administered. Its location can cause repeated friction with straps or even textiles, causing pain. The rapid positioning of the proposed cushion then makes it possible to protect the area.
See the tutorial
