Health
Save the date for Pink October: an awareness campaign on campus on October 2
Since 1994, Ruban Rose (Pink Ribbon) has been organizing the annual "Pink October" campaign to raise awareness among the general public of the importance of prevention in tackling breast cancer. For the second year, the Occupational Health and Prevention Department is pleased to announce that several initiatives will be organized on campus to inform staff about detecting and diagnosing breast cancer in women.
Make sure you note the following dates in your diaries.
• Thursday October 2, 12.30 to 2pm – come along to an information workshop in the François Jacob auditorium attended by a radiologist and genetic counselor:
"Fact check on breast cancer screening" with Dr. Chloé Dratwa, a radiologist specializing in diagnostic radiology and medical imaging in women
"Focus on families at high genetic risk of breast cancer and special follow-up measures for this group", with Antoine de Pauw, genetic counselor, Institut Curie
• Tuesday October 7, 1 to 2pm – come along to an information workshop in the Agnes Ullmann lecture hall:
"Physical activity as a preventive measure throughout the breast cancer care pathway" with Jocelyne Rolland, a physiotherapist and patron of the Breast Physiotherapist Network
• Thursday October 9 – you will have the opportunity to meet and chat to members of Phoenix & Dragons*, from 11.30am to 2pm, in front of the company restaurant.
You'll also have the pleasure of meeting and chatting to radiographer and artist Mélanie Ribeiro.
This event will include a prize draw at 2pm while the stand is being run. Several prizes will be on offer (including a prize donated by Mélanie Ribeiro and the CSE).
*This organization supports people through their treatment and post-treatment period by giving them the opportunity to get involved in dragon boat racing, a group water sports activity. By organizing sporting challenges and fun-filled group experiences, Phoenix & Dragons aims to restore confidence and self-esteem, helping people to get moving again and find a new zest for life.
Facilitating mammogram appointments
Finally, throughout October, the Duroc medical imaging center will once again offer the service supplied last year, providing female staff at the Institut Pasteur with a direct line to make an appointment for a mammogram.
Practical details:
• Direct line: 01 47 34 93 30
• Location: 104 rue de Rennes, 75006 Paris
Further details will be provided in an upcoming BIP. Watch this space!
Recommendations
In the meantime, as we approach breast cancer awareness month, here are the recommendations of the Occupational Health and Prevention Department:
- For all women: a breast self-exam once a month after your period
- From age 25 onwards: an annual breast exam carried out by a doctor or midwife is recommended
- From age 50: a mammogram every two years (free national screening program)
- Women at high risk (personal or family history): specific screening before the age of 50.
Take care of yourselves and keep an eye out for the following symptoms
• a lump
• skin or nipple retraction
• inflammation
• nipple discharge
• nipple eczema
• swollen lymph nodes in the armpits.
If you notice any of these symptoms, speak to your family physician, your gynecologist or your occupational physician, who can offer guidance.
Useful resources
Guide to breast cancer screening
There's also a dedicated internal ePasteur page on this topic