M Britel1, M Bourguignon2, M Preau3. 1. IRSN, SHOT, 31 Avenue Division Leclerc, 92262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, Cedex, France; Lyon II, GRePS, 5 Avenue Pierre Mendès-France, 69676 Bron, France; INSERM UA8, 28 Rue Laenec, 69373, Lyon, France. Electronic address: manon.britel@lyon.unicancer.fr. 2. IRSN, SHOT, 31 Avenue Division Leclerc, 92262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, Cedex, France. 3. Lyon II, GRePS, 5 Avenue Pierre Mendès-France, 69676 Bron, France.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the context of major exposure to medical-based ionizing radiation (IR), French health institutions agree that adopting a precautionary approach is essential. A number of scientific studies have highlighted the risk of developing breast cancer after exposure to IR, even from low doses. However, the information circulating on the subject is varied. OBJECTIVES: A study of the mainstream press was performed to better understand the elements constituting women's representations of IR in mammography for breast cancer screening. STUDY DESIGN: The data used came from a corpus created with the mainstream press database 'Europresse.' The keyword 'mammography' was chosen. The software package Iramuteq was used to perform a statistical analysis of textual data using the Reinert method. RESULTS: This study highlights a paradox between the social principle of prevention and the discourse elements on mammography screening present in the mainstream press. CONCLUSION: The general French press does not take into account radiation protection in cancer screening discourses. A greater effort to provide information on this subject is needed.
BACKGROUND: In the context of major exposure to medical-based ionizing radiation (IR), French health institutions agree that adopting a precautionary approach is essential. A number of scientific studies have highlighted the risk of developing breast cancer after exposure to IR, even from low doses. However, the information circulating on the subject is varied. OBJECTIVES: A study of the mainstream press was performed to better understand the elements constituting women's representations of IR in mammography for breast cancer screening. STUDY DESIGN: The data used came from a corpus created with the mainstream press database 'Europresse.' The keyword 'mammography' was chosen. The software package Iramuteq was used to perform a statistical analysis of textual data using the Reinert method. RESULTS: This study highlights a paradox between the social principle of prevention and the discourse elements on mammography screening present in the mainstream press. CONCLUSION: The general French press does not take into account radiation protection in cancer screening discourses. A greater effort to provide information on this subject is needed.