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Screening, by country and age

Chapter 04 of 15 · 8 cards · about 5 min

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Chapter 04 · Screening, by country and age
THE QUESTION

Should you wait for a sign before getting a test?

The answer in a few cards.

1 / 8

Screening means looking before any sign

Screening is for women with no signs at all. The aim: find cancer while it is still small.

Source: NCI, 2026

2 / 8

Mammography

An X-ray of the breasts using a low dose of radiation. It can show a cancer too small to be felt.

Source: NCI, 2026

3 / 8

What the WHO recommends

Where the health system allows it, the WHO recommends a every 2 years between ages 50 and 69, within an organised programme.

Source: WHO, 2014

4 / 8

In France

Women aged 50 to 74 are invited to have a every 2 years, fully covered.

Source: French National Cancer Institute (INCa), 2026

5 / 8

In the United States

The American Cancer Society advises a every year from 45 to 54 (possible from 40), then every 1 or 2 years.

Source: ACS, 2026

6 / 8

In Morocco

The national programme targets women aged 40 to 69, with a in health centres.

Source: CIRC, 2019

7 / 8

In Mauritania

There is no organised national programme yet. Take part in campaigns (Pink October, mobile clinics) and ask your health worker for a breast exam.

Source: Mauritanian News Agency (AMI), 2026 · Ministry of Health of Mauritania, 2018

8 / 8

High risk?

If several relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, talk to a doctor: screening can start earlier.

Source: ACS, 2026

DID YOU KNOW?

The WHO wants at least 60% of breast cancers to be found at stage I or II.

Source: WHO, 2023

TRUE OR FALSE?

“A mammogram is only useful if you can feel a lump.”

TRUE OR FALSE?

“Screening recommendations are not the same in every country.”

KEY POINTS
  • Screening looks for cancer before any sign appears.
  • The recommended age depends on the country (often from 40 or 50).
  • In Mauritania: campaigns and an exam by a health worker.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.

Chapter complete!

You now know more than many people. Pass it on.

Next chapter: Diagnosis and tests →
Sources: NCI, 2026 · WHO, 2014 · French National Cancer Institute (INCa), 2026…

15 stories to understand it all

Pick a question and let the cards guide you.

01To readWhat is breast cancer?Is a lump in the breast always cancer?5 min read02To readThe signsWould you recognise breast cancer?5 min read03To readRisk factorsWhy do some people get breast cancer and others don't?5 min read04In progressScreening, by country and ageShould you wait for a sign before getting a test?5 min read05To readDiagnosis and testsThey found a lump: what happens next?5 min read06To readTypes: hormone-sensitive, HER2, triple-negativeAre all breast cancers the same?5 min read07To readStagesWhat does “stage 2” mean?5 min read08To readTreatmentsHow is breast cancer treated?5 min read09To readLiving with treatment side effectsFatigue, hair, morale: how to get through treatment?5 min read10To readLife afterAnd when treatment is over?5 min read11To readGenetics and BRCAIs breast cancer passed down in families?5 min read12To readBreast cancer in menCan a man get breast cancer?5 min read13To readYoung womenI'm under 40: can it happen to me?5 min read14To readSupporting a loved oneHow can you help someone with breast cancer?5 min read15To readPreventionCan you reduce your risk of breast cancer?5 min read

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.