Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. CORRECT
-       in Belgium, 11,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year
-       the risk increases with age

between 40 and 49 years, 1 woman out of 50 will have breast cancer 
between 50 and 59 years, 1 woman out of 28 will have breast cancer
between 60 and 69 years, 1 woman out of 25 will have breast cancer

The frequency of breast cancer has increased over the last 10 years. FALSE
-       in women older than 69 years, the frequency of breast cancer has slightly increased
-       in women younger than 70 years, the frequency of breast cancer has slightly decreased

Relatively few women die from breast cancer. CORRECT
-       out of 100 women who die, 4 die from breast cancer. The other 96 deaths are due to other causes
-       between 60 and 69 years, there are 10 deaths among 130 women, but only 1 due to breast cancer
-       mortality due to death as a result of breast cancer has decreased by 25% in the last 10 years
-       between 50 and 69 years old, lung cancer is the leading cause of death

We cannot eliminate the risk of developing breast cancer, but we can reduce the risk. TRUE
- if you consume alcohol moderately
- if you do not smoke
- if you maintain a normal weight
- if you engage in regular physical activity
- if you avoid hormonal substitution, if possible

The risk of breast cancer is also genetic. TRUE
- certain known genetic mutations greatly increase the risk. These mutations are rare. They can pass from one generation to the next.
- 20% of breast cancer is related to a higher frequency of breast cancer or ovarian cancer in the family
- for individuals with a known genetic risk or known family risk, specific screening is strongly recommended

By regularly participating in the screening program, you can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. CORRECT
- the program for the detection of breast cancer gives you the opportunity to detect cancer in its early stages, with a better chance of recovery and less severe treatments
- among people who regularly participate in the program, the risk of death from breast cancer has been reduced by 20%


More information :
- Breast cancer, symptoms, treatments : Breast cancer | Foundation Against Cancer
- Statistics : Belgian Cancer Registry — Statistics on cancer (kankerregister.org)
- Research on genetic risk: Genetic detection of cancer risk | Foundation Against Cancer