Par
Samuel Sauneuf
Published on
“Every day in France, 40 people are diagnosed with throat cancer. However, nearly 70% of cases are still detected at an advanced stage, while early treatment provides a high chance of recovery, reaching 80 to 90%. »
On the occasion of the launch of the national Red Gorge campaign, the Brétillien Institute of Cancerology and Radiotherapy (ICRB), which has establishments in Saint-Malo (1 rue de la Maison Neuve), Saint-Grégoire (avenue Saint-Vincent) and soon Cesson-Sévigné (3 rue du Chêne Germain) is mobilizing to raise awareness among the general public about throat cancers and recall an essential message. “Faced with persistent symptoms, you should not wait. »
These cancers mainly affect people between 50 and 64 years old, with well-identified risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol. But certain cancers, particularly of the tonsils or the base of the tongue, can also be linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) and affect younger patients.
“A symptom that lasts should alert”
To promote earlier diagnosis, health professionals remind us of the simple “1 to 3” rule. Or a single symptom persisting for more than three weeks: sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, lump in the neck and unusual bleeding
The presence of these symptoms should lead to consulting a general practitioner, even before the age of 30.
“Too many patients still arrive late, out of fear or trivialization of symptoms. However, consulting early often allows for less severe treatments and improves the chances of recovery,” underlines Dr Flora Ahrweiller, radiotherapist oncologist at the ICRB in Saint-Malo, in a press release. “In my practice, I regularly see patients who have waited several months before consulting. Some are now in remission after treatments combining radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but this treatment could have been earlier. This is why it is essential to be attentive to the first signs and not delay in consulting,” she continues.
Prevention remains essential: stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and vaccination against HPV, recommended for girls and boys from the age of 11, constitute the most effective means of reducing risks.
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