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Pink October: Luxembourg steps up
For nearly 40 years, October has been known as 'Pink October,' a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer. The Ministry of Health and Social Security actively promotes this initiative, highlighting the importance of early screening, which significantly improves the chances of full remission by detecting tumours early.
Since 1 July 2024, the breast cancer screening programme has been available to women aged between 45 and 74 who are residents of Luxembourg and affiliated with the National Health Fund (CNS). Every two years, the Department of Health personally invites residents to participate in the mammography programme by undergoing an examination at one of the country's five approved screening centres located in Luxembourg hospitals.
Non-residents can access the screening programme by contacting the Centre de coordination des programmes de dépistage des cancers, by telephone on 247-75550, or by e-mail at mammographie@ms.etat.lu. They will receive a personal invitation under the same conditions as Luxembourg residents.
The result
In Luxembourg, on average, 40 out of every 1,000 mammograms performed as part of the screening programme show abnormal results. Of these 40 screenings found to be abnormal, 7 cancer cases are confirmed after further examination.
According to the study conducted by the Registre national du cancer (RNC) on the 2013-2018 cohort, women diagnosed with breast cancer detected by the screening programme were diagnosed at a younger age, at an earlier stage and more often underwent conservative surgery.
'When interpreting mammogram images, our experts apply the principle of double or even triple reading. The images examined by an accredited radiologist at the screening centre are then reviewed by a second radiologist from the Health Directorate. When these two interpretations differ, a third reading is performed to establish the diagnosis. With this method, we can optimise the detection process in the interests of the women concerned", emphasises Minister Martine Deprez.
Awareness-raising initiatives in Luxembourg
Awareness and information days will be organised in Luxembourg, in the country's various hospitals and in high-traffic areas accessible to the public. These events are organised in collaboration with the Fondation Cancer and the Think Pink and Europa Donna associations:
- 2 October from 1pm to 5pm at the Centre hospitalier du Luxembourg (CHL),
- 8 October from 12 to 3pm at the Robert Schuman Kirchberg Hospitals (HRS),
- 9 October at the market on Place Guillaume,
- 10 October from 9am to 12pm at the Centre hospitalier du Nord (CHDN),
- 11 October from 10am to 4pm at the Shopping Center Belle Etoile,
- 14 October from 9am to 1pm at the Colpach rehabilitation centre,
- 15 October from 12pm to 3pm at the Hôpitaux Robert Schuman Zithaklinik (HRS),
- 16 October from 9am to 3pm at the Centre hospitalier Emile Mayrisch (CHEM).
The Broschtkriibslaf leisure run, organised by Europa Donna, will take place on 5 October from 10am in Hesperange Park. This year, this event will again welcome a large number of participants to raise public awareness of the importance of physical activity in cancer prevention. There will also be a fund-raising event to support sufferers and their families.
More information:
Press release by the Ministry of Health and Social Security