Ifrane will host the 11th edition of the Franco-Maghrebian higher course in senology on 16 and 17 May. An edition placed under the theme “How to treat triple-negative breast cancers”, which proposes to take stock of the progress made, the path travelled, and improvements in senology. Various specialists will therefore debate technological advances in diagnosis, but also in the management of patients with so-called triple-negative breast cancer. Radiologists, gynaecologists, or even radiotherapists, to name but a few specialties, will therefore take advantage of these two days to upgrade and exchange their knowledge on the subject. “Every self-respecting doctor must be ‘recycled’, because there are new products, medicines, or methods that are introduced every year. In our profession, it changes overnight, which is why it is important to be able to renew one's knowledge,” affirms Dr A. Ouhajjou, a specialist doctor in oncology and radiotherapy at the Al Azhar Oncology Centre.

It should be noted that on the eve of this meeting, screening for breast, prostate, nasopharyngeal, and cervical cancer will be carried out in the Azrou and Ifrane regions through a mobile caravan composed of 3 trucks and nationally renowned doctors. Triple-negative breast cancer: Representing nearly 15% of breast cancers, so-called “triple-negative” cancers are very aggressive cancers against which there are few therapeutic weapons. These cancers strike younger women more frequently and can be linked to genetic predispositions. This type of more aggressive cancer is less easily detectable via generalised screening, which recommends a mammogram every two years from the age of 50. Developing rapidly, these are often interval cancers (which occur between two check-ups). “Classical” chemotherapies are generally used, but they do not always prove effective. “A triple-negative breast cancer has a very poor prognosis. The patient does not respond to hormonal or chemotherapy treatments. We are therefore currently looking for solutions for these patients,” explains our oncologist-radiotherapist.

Furthermore, Dr Ouhajjou wished to specify that chemotherapy was not the miracle solution for every cancer, but applicable on a case-by-case basis. “We must dispel preconceived ideas. Many specialists treat all cancers in the same way, that is to say by resorting to chemotherapy.

Similarly, the size of the tumour is not decisive. There are very small tumours of less than 5 mm that must be treated with chemo, while much larger ones will not need it…” The usefulness of early screening: As a reminder, breast cancer screening concerns women aged 45 to 50 and must be done every 3 years (every year when the patient has a family history). Note that a mammogram should never be done before the age of 15. As surprising as it may seem, it is also important to emphasise that breast cancer in very rare cases can also be diagnosed in men. Regarding cervical cancer, it should be recalled that it is a sexually transmitted disease and that it generally affects young women under 25. Hence the importance of early diagnosis, because fortunately, there is a vaccine today. Once again, one should not think that this only concerns women. Men, if they do not develop this type of cancer, are largely likely to transmit it. Moreover, in Australia, they understood this well and undertook mass vaccinations for both sexes. As a result, the prevalence of this cancer in the country has significantly declined. Finally, the prostate examination should result in an annual visit from the age of 50. Treated in time, 90% of these cancers do not kill.

Psychological support for the patient: In Morocco, when cancer is diagnosed in an individual, the latter is often poorly informed. They are told they are ill, sometimes coldly, because this has become a trivialised act. Worse, they are not told what to do next. The patient, already shocked by the diagnosis, is left to their own devices. It is up to them to manage, to find out about the steps to follow. “It would take a whole staff for this. A doctor who announces the diagnosis, another specialist who will indicate what to do, and above all a psychologist,” scolds Dr Ouhajjou. This last person is a very important element in the life of the patient. Because the repercussions of the announcement of the diagnosis on the patient's life are significant. “Imagine being told you have cancer and that you only have two months to live. The psychological support of the doctor, but also that of the family, is very important. But in Morocco, it is not customary to direct the cancer patient to a psychologist, it is a pity,” the specialist finally concludes.