Cancer Support France

La Ligue contre le cancer features regular updates on latest cancer news in France (nos actualités). Looking for information here can be very worthwhile if your grasp of the written French language is sufficiently up-to-speed. Because it is very focused on French issues and information relating to cancer, it covers areas where information might be difficult to obtain for many English-speakers living in France.

Recent features have included:

• pourquoi le depistage colorectal est essentiel (why rectal cancer testing is essential)
• rencontre avec Anne, diagnostiquée d’un cancer du rectum (meet Anne, diagnosed with a cancer of the rectum)
• cancer – les actus en bref (a monthly round-up of news items)

Text in French www.ligue-cancer.net/nos-actualites/

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has as its mission to: unite and support the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, to promote greater equity, and to ensure that cancer control continues to be a priority.

For us as a UICC Global Network Member, we gain particularly from being part of an organisation that can offer opportunities for uniting with similar organisations to ourselves, and also from the wealth of information that the UICC provides on its website.

For example, it posts regular podcasts in its series, Let’s Talk Cancer, on subjects as diverse as:

• understanding the latest global trends in cancer control
• love and loss – how to support those with terminal cancer
• the power of the patient voice to transform cancer care

You can find all the podcasts at:  uicc.org/resources/podcasts

or dip into the whole range of what they offer at: uicc.org

This year, our Activity for Life event offers a cycle ride around the Medoc area, with 185kms of cycling over 4 days from 11th to 14th September, with a finish at the British Consulate in Bordeaux for a reception and photos on 15th.

The event, of course,  aims to raise awareness and funds, but just as important,  is the opportunity to meet old and new friends and enjoy the communal experience that the event offers. There are so many ways that you can be a part of the event – ideally by registering and joining the event but if not, by helping with organisation, by raising funds and by spreading the word about the event.

You can find more information and how to get involved on our Activity For Life page.

Since November last year, we have been developing a new website, with the valuable aid of a small web design company, Pixel Point Design. We hope that the appearance and layout improves your experience of visiting us online. Our primary aims were to:

• Update the site to reflect latest website design practices
• Attract more visitors who in turn, gain more from their visit
• Continue to fulfill our fundamental purpose and ethos, catering to our key audiences

We would very much appreciate hearing your views and any suggestions you have for improvement. The website will evolve further over time, I am sure, and your input will help us to continually improve what it offers.

Send your thoughts via our contact form, or directly to: . Any email you send will be responded to. We look forward to hearing from you.

We already have a band of dedicated volunteers, fulfilling different roles in Cancer Support France’s Associations, but there never seem to be enough people to be on top of all the things we would like to accomplish. Our National President, Sue Smith says:

“A cancer diagnosis affects not just the patient but their loved ones, carers and friends. Our trained volunteers help hundreds of people every year through this difficult period. Every one of our volunteers gives their time freely, no one in our Associations is paid for their work. You can help us in many ways – by joining as a member and being kept informed of our work and of upcoming events, by organising a fundraising event to support our work or by supporting those with cancer or their carers by becoming one of our trained volunteers.”

We need volunteers for a wide range of activities, including technical and IT roles, and those who understand modern communications methods, such as web, social media and online marketing and branding.

If you have some time to spare, from a few hours a year to a few hours a week, and wish to help support the work of Cancer Support France, please contact us via our Join us page.