Breast cancer is the most common cancer and is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. It is a cancer that can be screened for. Modifiable risk factors have been identified.
In this context, Santé publique France’s efforts focus on three main areas: epidemiological surveillance, evaluation of the organized screening program, and promoting the fight against preventable risk factors.

Epidemiological surveillance of breast cancer

The monitoring of the French population’s health status is entrusted to Santé publique France. It is within this framework that epidemiological surveillance of cancers is conducted. This surveillance:

• aids in the management and evaluation of cancer prevention and treatment measures,

• is carried out through a scientific and financial partnership involving the Francim network of cancer registries, the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department of the Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), Santé publique France, and the National Cancer Institute (INCa).

These four partners have defined a work program aimed in particular at:

• develop initiatives to facilitate the recording of cancers in registries (access to data sources) as well as the systematic collection of new variables,

• regularly produce and make available essential epidemiological indicators (incidence, mortality, survival, prevalence),

• develop thematic projects, particularly in collaboration with the departments of Santé publique France.

Evaluation of the performance of the organized breast cancer screening program at the national, regional, and departmental levels

The evaluation is based on data submitted annually to Santé publique France by administrative bodies using data extraction modules integrated into their specialized software for database management. Two types of data are submitted:

• data aggregated at the departmental level, enabling the calculation of program participation indicators,

• anonymized and standardized individual data, which enable the calculation of other indicators related to program performance.

This data is validated by the administrative bodies/regional cancer screening coordination centers and by Santé publique France.

The aggregated data is provided by age and gender and provides information on:

• the number of people who underwent a screening test,

• the number of people excluded from screening for medical reasons,

• the number of people who tested positive during the evaluation period.

Learn more about the evaluation of the breast cancer screening program

An analysis covering the 2004–2014 period shows that most performance indicators, in line with European benchmarks, attest to the quality of the French organized breast cancer screening program, a necessary condition for reducing mortality.

Santé publique France is conducting epidemiological studies on the proportion and number of cancers attributable to lifestyle or environmental risk factors among adults in mainland France. These findings can serve as a basis for future targeted prevention efforts.

Santé publique France, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, conducts surveys of the general population to assess public attitudes and behaviors regarding:

• cancer risk factors

• means of prevention and screening

• perceptions of the disease and the quality of care.

Based on the Health Barometers model established in 1992 by the French Committee for Health Education, these Cancer Barometers have been in existence since 2005 and are conducted every five years. In addition to the methodology, the 2015 edition presents results on several topics, including cancer and alcohol, tobacco, and screening. The results regarding screening will be posted online shortly