Breast cancer is more present in France than elsewhere. But how is this data explained? Are there also more deaths from breast cancer in France than elsewhere? A specialist doctor will answer you.
“It’s probably food related.”
In 2022, the World Health Organization recorded 105.4 cases of breast cancer per 100,000 people in France. Making our country the one with the highest incidence rate of breast cancer in the world, followed by Cyprus (104.8) and Belgium (104.4). According to the ARC Foundation, for cancer research, this represents more than 61,000 women affected each year in France.
But why are so many French women affected by this cancer? For Doctor Catherine Guldenfels, doctor responsible for the Bas-Rhin site of the Grand-Est cancer screening coordination center, this can be explained in different ways.
« In Western countries, the frequency of breast cancer has always been higher, this is probably linked to diet. » she explains. “ In France, there is a cancer registry which provides a reliable estimate of all cases of breast cancer. In other countries, these estimates are not always as reliable. » This can therefore explain why more cases are recorded in France.
But for the doctor, we must also look at the risk factors. “ Lifestyle and diet certainly play a role, with significant alcohol consumption in France, which is a significant risk factor.. There is also the incidence of obesity and sedentary lifestyle, which are increasing. »
The main risk factor for breast cancer is age, which we have no control over. But France is indeed an aging country. “ The age pyramid shifts beyond 60 years, where there is a greater occurrence of breast cancer. » This data can also explain the high incidence rate in France.
A low mortality rate
Fortunately, even though France has many cases of breast cancer each year, it also has a solid health system, allowing early treatment of cancers. “ With mammography screenings at the national level, French women consult quickly and are very well taken care of. In addition, the cost of cancer treatment is not their responsibility. »explains Dr. Guldenfels.
As a result, the mortality rate from breast cancer in France is rather low, with an incidence of 15.8 deaths per 100,000 people, or around 12,000 per year. “ Cancer mortality is only decreasing from year to year in France. It is the most common cancer in women, a real public health problem. There is no 100% effective prevention, but thanks to good care, the mortality rate is very low.. »
Source: www.topsante.com
