Breast cancer awareness month – known as Octobre Rose in France – is a global health campaign observed every year throughout October.
As well as raising awareness, a key aim of Octobre Rose is to encourage early screening. Last year the campaign kicked off on the champs de Mars in Paris with the Eiffel Tower turning sparkling pink; word on the street is that this may happen again this year.
The French health service invites all women aged between 50 and 74 to undergo free breast cancer screening every two years. The programme has been running since 2004 and research shows that early diagnosis saves lives by allowing for early treatment. Book your mammogram now.
If you haven’t received an invitation, talk to your GP or visit https://jefaismondepistage.cancer.fr/cancers-du-sein/ to find out more.
If you are younger than 50 or over 74, don’t hesitate to talk to your GP about any concerns you have.
INCa, the French national cancer institute has produced a leaflet in English > you can download it here < to learn more about the screening programme and what it entails.
There are lots of ways to get involved with Octobre Rose, and help raise awareness. Events are happening nationally throughout France.
Check out our events calendar to see if there are any CSF events happening near you, or simply wear a pink ribbon / item of clothing to start a conversation.