Most of us probably know someone who has been or will be affected by breast cancer. I am a breast cancer survivor, and a number of my friends (both women and men) have been treated for breast cancer and survived. According to the World Health Organization, it’s now the most common cancer worldwide. Fortunately, preventative measures, including early detection, can help save many lives. That’s why we at INSPIRELLE support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, known as Octobre Rose (Pink October) in France. We encourage you to participate in some of the diverse awareness activities this month!
Spearheaded by the Ruban Rose (Pink Ribbon) association in France, Octobre Rose is part of the annual global Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign which aims to raise awareness of the disease and the importance of early detection through regular screenings (dépistage). The goal is to mobilize as many people as possible to join the fight against breast cancer and to raise funds for medical and scientific research.
“Breast cancer treatment can be highly effective, achieving survival probabilities of 90% or higher, particularly when the disease is identified early.” – World Health Organization
Here are some of the ways you can support the Octobre Rose campaign in Paris:
LEARN AND TALK ABOUT CANCER
According to La Ligue Contre la Cancer (League Against Cancer), one out of every eight women in France is likely to get breast cancer, yet only 50.6% of women concerned participated in organized breast screenings in 2021. In France, breast screenings (including mammograms and ultrasounds) are 100% reimbursed for women 50 years and up every two years.
Breast Cancer Awareness Workshops (October 1 – November 17, 2022)
Throughout October and until November 17, join one of the many talks and workshops to raise awareness of the importance of early detection organized by the Assurance Maladie de Paris around the city. For locations and hours, check the Assurance Maladie website HERE.
Roundtable on “Sport and Cancer” (October 15, 2022)
On Saturday, October 15, Casiopeea, which organizes a major cross-country sporting challenge each year to raise awareness of the fight against breast cancer, will host a roundtable on the role of sport in preventing cancer and its recurrence. The roundtable (in French) is FREE from 10am to 12pm at the Mairie (city hall) of the 15th arrondissement, followed by lunch. For more information and to register, visit the WEBSITE or contact casiopeea.france@gmail.com
Cancer Exhibition at the Cité des Sciences (until August 8, 2023)
Educate the whole family about cancer at the Cité des Sciences de de l’Industrie (museum of Science and Industry), which has a major exhibition focusing on the scientific, psychological, and social dimensions of this disease. On until August 8, 2023. Visit the museum WEBSITE for more information and ticketing.
RACE AGAINST CANCER
Color Run Montmorency (October 16, 2022)
Bring the family to join the fun Color Run Montmorency taking place from 10am on Sunday, October 16, at the Nelson Mandela Sports park just north of Paris. Participants of all ages can run, walk, or do the moonwalk to raise money for the Ligue Contre le Cancer for cancer research and support for breast cancer survivors.
Odysséa (Cannes – October 23, 2022)
Since 2002, Odysséa’s sports-oriented events around France have raised over 10 million Euros for over 50 associations and organizations fighting breast cancer through prevention and research. This year’s Paris race took place on October 1 and 2, but there’s still time to join the race in Cannes on October 23, or keep an eye out for next year’s dates.
La Parisienne
Plan ahead to walk or run next year’s La Parisienne, an annual race to raise funds for breast cancer research. An INSPIRELLE team participated in this year’s race, which took place on September 11. If you missed it, you can still donate through our fundraising page to the Fondation pour la Recherche Médical, the official partner of La Parisienne.
VOLUNTEER OR DONATE TO FIGHTING CANCER
Cancer Support France
For 20 years, Cancer Support France has been offering free and confidential support to English-speaking cancer patients, their caregivers and families in France. They welcome volunteers to be trained and then serve as Active Listeners for the phone hotline. For more information on becoming a volunteer, or to donate, visit their WEBSITE.
Read more about Cancer Support France: How an Active Listener Can be Your Best Ally
Ruban Rose
Co-founded by the Estée Lauder group and Marie Claire magazine in France in 1994, the Ruban Rose (formerly “Le Cancer du Sein, Parlons-en!”) association has raised over 4 million euros for breast cancer research. Its missions are to raise awareness of early detection and to support breast cancer research through its annual Pink Ribbon photo awards. Their work throughout the year is celebrated in the annual Octobre Rose campaign.
La Ligue Contre le Cancer
La Ligue Contre Le Cancer (League Against Cancer) is France’s leading independent non-governmental organization funding cancer research. With more than 500,000 members and 20,000 volunteers, the League is a grassroots movement that aims to fight cancer through research for cures, awareness campaigns, prevention, and providing support for people affected by breast cancer.
