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Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security recently launched its "Pink October" campaign as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The ministry noted that it is actively promoting this global initiative, highlighting the importance of screening, which 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 45 to 74, who reside in Luxembourg and are affiliated with the National Health Fund (CNS). Every two years, the Health Directorate personally invites residents to participate in the mammography programme by undergoing an examination in one of the five approved screening centres located in Luxembourg hospitals.

Non-residents can access the screening programme by contacting the cancer screening programme coordination centre via tel.: 247-75550 or via email: mammographie@ms.etat.lu. They will receive a personal invitation under the same conditions as Luxembourg residents.

The ministry noted that, on average, 40 out of every 1,000 mammograms performed as part of this programme in Luxembourg show abnormal results. Of these 40 "abnormal" screenings, seven cancer cases are confirmed after further examination.

According to the study conducted by the national cancer registry (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, 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 interest of the women concerned," emphasised Martine Deprez, Luxembourg's Minister of Health and Social Security.

The ministry confirmed that awareness and information days will take place in Luxembourg, in the country's various hospitals and in high-traffic areas accessible to the public, as part of Pink October. These events are being organised as follows, in collaboration with the Fondation Cancer and the Think Pink and Europa Donna associations:

  • Wednesday 2 October from 13:00 to 17:00 at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL);
  • Tuesday 8 October from 12:00 to 15:00 at the Hôpitaux Robert Schuman (HRS) - Hôpital Kirchberg;
  • Wednesday 9 October at the market on Place Guillaume II in Luxembourg-Ville;
  • Thursday 10 October from 09:00 to 12:00 at the Centre Hospitalier du Nord (CHDN);
  • Friday 11 October from 10:00 to 16:00 at the Belle Etoile Shopping Centre;
  • Monday 14 October from 09:00 to 13:00 at the Colpach rehabilitation centre;
  • Tuesday 15 October from 12:00 to 15:00 at the Hôpitaux Robert Schuman (HRS) - Zithaklinik;
  • Wednesday 16 October from 09:00 to 15:00 at the Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch (CHEM).

Moreover, the "Broschtkriibslaf" run, organised by Europa Donna, is taking place in Hesperange Park on Saturday 5 October 2024 from 10:00. This year, the event will again welcome a large number of participants to raise public awareness about the importance of physical activity in cancer prevention. There will also be a fundraising element to support those suffering from cancer and their families.