This October, inspections and awareness-raising operations are being organized in the area. The Health and Social Agency offers women aged 50 and over a comprehensive check-up every two years for free. On average, 180 new cases of breast cancer are discovered annually in New Caledonia.
In the region, an oncologist works in Médipôle. There are five specialists at the Quindo Magnin Clinic in Nouvelle.
Since the beginning of the crisis on May 13, the absence of air transport to Sydney or Paris and also between the islands has seriously affected the monitoring of patients in the North and the Islands. It is impossible at this time to determine the consequences.
The treatment protocol is the same in New Caledonia as in mainland France, with regard to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. 180 new cases of breast cancer are discovered in the region every year.
It is free for women aged 50 to 74 years. They can benefit from mammograms every two years, offered by Cafat and DASS.
If cancer is treated early, the survival rate after 5 years is more than 80%. 6 out of 10 cancer cases are diagnosed in women aged 50-75, thanks to free screenings.
A new generation of 3D mammography machines has been installed in the Médipôle department, dedicated to breast cancer. It is more comfortable for all breast types. “Women are at the center of concerns in breast cancer management. We are creating a medical and paramedical organization to welcome them in good conditions. This involves training different radiologists and technicians and using machines like this, which are very convenient.“, explains Dr. Didier Logias, Head of the Radiology Unit at Médipôle.
After the first mammogram, it is time for palpation, in addition to ultrasound for some patients. If a problem occurs, another multidisciplinary team will take over. Each treatment will then be tailored to the type of cancer.
Report by Karen Arroyo and Helena Cambero:
