Free cancer screenings in Saint-Étienne

The City of Saint-Étienne, the CPAM (French health insurance agency), and the Regional Cancer Screening Center are organizing free cancer screening events for residents in several neighborhoods. The first event took place on Friday, October 23, at the Jacquard Market, followed by two more events before the end of the year: one on November 6 at the Crêt-de-Roc Secular Club and another on December 10 at the Monthieu-Montplaisir Social Center.

Screening details and availability

Each event runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes screenings for breast, colon, and cervical cancers. A CPAM representative will be present at each location to provide information about participants' rights. Free HPV vaccination is also available for individuals aged 11 to 26, provided they present their health record.

No prior registration required

Invitations to the screenings are now sent by the French Health Insurance, but these events allow people to participate without prior registration or a visit to a clinic, making it easier for those who might not otherwise attend. No appointment is needed for breast and colon cancer screenings, but an appointment is required for cervical cancer screening, which participants must book in advance with the CPAM of the Loire at 06 58 93 59 61.

National screening recommendations

The national program recommends that women aged 50 to 74 have a mammogram every two years, and that men and women of the same age with average risk undergo colorectal screening every two years using a home-based immunological test. Cervical cancer screening is recommended for women aged 25 to 65.

Participation remains low

Participation in these screenings remains below expectations. According to Santé publique France, only 44% of the target population had a breast cancer screening in 2024, compared to 48.6% in 2023, far below the European target of 70%. For colorectal cancer, the rate was 30.7% in 2024-2025, compared to the acceptable European threshold of 45%.

Importance of early detection

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in France, with about 61,000 new cases and 12,000 deaths estimated in 2023. The city notes that one in eight women will be affected by breast cancer, but survival rates reach 99% if the tumor is detected early. Similarly, early detection of colon cancer leads to a 90% cure rate. For cervical cancer, the city claims that screening could prevent 90% of cases. These guidelines may change, as the High Authority for Health launched an evaluation of the age limits for breast cancer screening in March.

Extended awareness campaign

These events extend the awareness campaign beyond October, allowing people more time to organize their participation.