Breast cancer screening after age 74: why it remains essential
In France, organized breast cancer screening applies to all women aged 50 to 74 years, with a mammogram offered every two years. But after 74, this systematic follow-up abruptly stops.
As a result: many cancers are then diagnosed at advanced stages, sometimes already associated with lymph node invasion or metastases. Yet the figures speak for themselves: of the 11,200 breast cancer deaths each year, nearly 4,500 concern women over 74.
A public health issue still too neglected
The National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF) and the League Against Cancer remind that it is never too late to stay vigilant. Their message is clear :
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An annual consultation with a breast exam should be maintained after age 74.
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A mammogram every two years remains recommended, even without organized screening.
Don't let your guard down after age 74
Breast cancer does not stop with age. On the contrary, it can affect older women with forms that are sometimes more aggressive and harder to treat if diagnosed late. Maintaining regular screening therefore remains a vital preventive measure.
A call to all generations
Supporting and relaying the CNGOF and League Against Cancer campaign means protecting our mothers, our grandmothers and all the women concerned. Each preventive examination is an additional chance to detect breast cancer early and treat it better.
Because there's no age limit for taking care of your health: screening after age 74 saves lives.
Cancer affects us all!
