Pink October: Bruyn Hospital Raises Awareness About Breast Self-Exams

On Monday, October 19, to mark World Breast Cancer Day, the Irénée de Bruyn Hospital welcomed the public for a targeted awareness campaign. The goal: to encourage breast self-exams using innovative tools.
At the information booth, visitors were able to learn about self-examination pads distributed by the hospital, which were part of a batch of 300 kits provided by the Regional Health Agency (ARS). Made from a special fabric, they allow users—according to Dr. Louis Jeffry—to “filter out tactile noise” from the breast, making it easier to detect abnormalities.
“The idea is to increase patients’ autonomy and ability to detect abnormalities,” explains the gynecologist. “Cancer detected early is curable in 98% of cases. We need to help women feel comfortable with their bodies and alleviate their anxiety about self-examination.”
While Saint Barth and Saint Martin record 35 to 40 new cases per year, access to screenings (mammograms within 15 days) and care has improved significantly locally. Although national screening begins at age 50, the doctor notes that it can be considered as early as age 40, particularly in the presence of risk factors.
To continue this effort, the hospital team will be at the Gustavia market this weekend to distribute the remaining kits.