Cancers. Improvements but the fight continues – Health

As every year, the National Cancer Institute (INCa) publishes its report on the cancer situation in France. The 2017 edition presents a panorama of knowledge and up-to-date data on all areas of cancer, from screening to treatment and research. The observation? Improvements are noted but not yet sufficient.

The tenth edition of the INCa report on cancer in France offers an overview of the cancer themes and brings together the most recent data around six main chapters: epidemiology, prevention, screening, care , life during and after cancer and research. Actions to combat inequalities are detailed. In terms of epidemiology, the report underlines that from 2005, "the overall evolution of the incidence rate shows a decrease in men and a stabilization in women". These variations are due to recent changes in the incidence of the two most common cancers: prostate and bad. In total, in 2017, the number of new cancer cases in metropolitan France is estimated at 399,626. The cancer mortality rate remains "higher in men than in women, but decreases more rapidly in men" . Mainly because of "the decline in alcohol and tobacco consumption among the latter".

Prevention as the Cornerstone of the Struggle

Tobacco is responsible for seventeen cancer sites and 45,000 deaths a year. This is why "the fight against smoking has been reinforced by the introduction since May 2016 of packets of neutral cigarettes, all of the same shape, size, color and type, without any logo" . On the other hand, by 2020, the pack of cigarettes, whose price has steadily increased, should reach 10 €. Other risk factors include alcohol, obesity and environmental factors such as air pollutants. In these areas, several measures have been taken in particular for nutritional prevention, to reduce the emission of atmospheric pollutants, to better supervise the activity related to UV cabins and to measure the impact of pesticide exposures.

Better detection and better care

Early detection of cancers is also one of INCa's concerns. In the field of bad cancer, "four evaluation and experimentation projects are underway on the dematerialization of information flows badociated with digital mammography". In addition, since April 2017, "a new information booklet has been developed to improve women's information" in this regard. Once diagnosed, the cancer must be treated. For maximum efficiency, it is essential to benefit from multidisciplinary care. But not all patients have access to this device. However, "the constant increase in the number of people benefiting from the announcement system, a discussion of their file at a multidisciplinary consultation meeting and a personalized care program" is noted in the report. Finally, once cured, cancer exposes patients to many difficulties, in the professional and private sphere. Good news on this front, "the evolution of the reference grid within the framework of the AERAS agreement (insure and borrow with an increased health risk) now allows access to a borrower insurance without overprotection or exclusion" to more patients.