Cancer Screening

Screening aims to identify potential abnormalities, such as precancerous cells or malignant tumors. The goal? To diagnose cancers at an earlier stage, in order to increase the effectiveness of treatments and improve the chances of recovery.

Screening takes place in various ways: 

• “Organized” screening, in which a segment of the national population is invited to undergo a specific test. This involves information campaigns, accompanied by the mailing of an invitation letter to participants’ homes.

• “Individual” screening, in which screenings are arranged as part of the relationship between the patient and their doctor. 

Key Point 

People with specific risk factors, such as a personal or family history of the condition, receive specialized follow-up care.

In France, three national screening programs are in place:

• Cervical cancer screening, which targets women aged 25 to 65 (including pregnant women, postmenopausal women, and women vaccinated against human papillomavirus). 
• Breast cancer screening, for women aged 50 to 74.
• Colorectal cancer screening, which is for women and men aged 50 to 74.
   

How a screening is conducted depends on the type of cancer involved.

Screening involves a Pap test, which should be performed at regular intervals: 

• Women aged 25 to 30: the first two tests should be performed one year apart, followed by a Pap test every three years if the results are normal.

• Women aged 30 to 65: one test three years after the last normal Pap test, followed by a test every five years until age 65.

Several steps:

1. Make an appointment with the healthcare provider of your choice (gynecologist, primary care physician, midwife) at a health center or hospital. 

2. Have the Pap test performed. 

3. The sample is sent to a specialized practice or laboratory. You’ll receive the results within a few days. If an abnormality is detected, your healthcare provider will contact you to schedule further tests.

In France, the National Health Insurance system organizes a national breast cancer screening campaign for all women between the ages of 50 and 74. The goal is to detect tumors as early as possible in women with breast cancer, in order to increase their chances of recovery. 

It is recommended that women undergo breast cancer screening every 2 years. Eligible women receive an invitation from the French National Health Insurance by mail, which is also available in their Ameli account. This invitation includes a list of approved radiologists in your department. 

Several steps:

1. Schedule an appointment with a radiologist. 
2. A mammogram is performed by a technologist, followed by a clinical examination (visual inspection and palpation) by the radiologist. This examination helps detect certain abnormalities that may not be visible on the mammogram. 
3. The radiologist will give you a preliminary verbal result. If necessary, they will perform an ultrasound. If the images and clinical examination show no abnormalities, a second reading is performed by another radiologist as a precautionary measure, as part of the national screening program organized by the Health Insurance Agency.

Colorectal cancer screening is intended for the general population—specifically, all men and women aged 50 to 74 with no family history of colorectal cancer.

This screening program uses the Fecal Immunological Test (FIT), which has replaced the Hemoccult test. It comes in the form of a kit that can be picked up at a pharmacy or from your primary care physician after you receive a letter from the health insurance provider. It can also be ordered online at monkit.depistage-colorectal.fr. 

Once you receive the kit, the entire process takes place at home. Place a small paper bag over the toilet bowl to collect the stool sample. Then use the swab to collect a sample, place it in a resealable tube, and return it the same day in an envelope—no postage required. You must also include a personal information sheet in the envelope. All the materials needed to perform the test and send it back are provided in the kit.  

Steps to follow:

1. Obtain the test from your pharmacist, doctor, state-licensed nurse, or online at monkit.depistage-colorectal.fr
2. Perform the test yourself at home. 

3. Mail the test using the provided envelope within 24 hours of taking it.

4. You’ll receive a text message with your results.

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To learn more: 
→ Colorectal Cancer Screening: What You Need to Know