Cancer Support France

‘Le Baromètre cancer’ is a survey of the general population of France conducted every 5 years. The 4^th edition, for which the data was collected in 2021 from almost 5,000 people aged between 15 and 85 years old, provides a snapshot of the perceptions and reactions of the French when faced with cancer.

Read more about the baromèter at: –

Attitudes et comportements des Français face au cancer, résultats du 4e Baromètre Cancer (santepubliquefrance.fr)

Ian Salvage – May 2021

CSF Paris & Île-de-France have raffled a beautiful hand-made quilt and raising €1000 for CSF National.

Beautifully crafted in fine cotton and richly-colored fabrics, this ‘Heart” quilt is exactly what one hopes for to enhance one’s living space.  The jewel-like prints are the designs of noted British-based textile artist Kaffe Fasset.  Kaffe’s work has been a continual inspiration to quilter Nan de Laubadère, one of CSF Paris & Île-de-France’s members; the organic abundance and sheer joy embodied in his patterns conveys the hope and solace we offer our clients.

The draw for the quilt raffle in aid of CSF took place on April 15th in Paris at the base of the Paris & Île-de-France Association by Deborah Lillian (ex-President of CSF Paris & Île-de-France, who is managing the raffle) and colleague Sarah Valinsky.

March 2021

Professor Axel Kahn, who recently left his post as President of La Ligue contre le cancer because of his own worsening cancer, has put a poignant goodbye message on his Facebook page. The message, titled ‘The end of the road’, talks about the happy memories he has: “My loves, my children, my family, my friends, flowers and beautiful sunrises. Relaxed and with a smile, goodbye, friends.”

Professor Kahn took over as President of La Ligue in 2019. He is a scientist, doctor of genetics and an essayist.

Thank you for your support
La Ligue Contre le Cancer

From an article by Sandrine Blanchard published in Le Monde on 28th February 2021 (In-house translation by Languedoc): –
https://www.facebook.com/cancersupportfrancelanguedoc/photos/pb.100067971047600.-2207520000/188254633314674/?type=3

February 2021

INCA – the French National Cancer Institute – has presented its proposed new plan for dealing with cancer to Président Emmanuel Macron. Présidents Chirac, Sarkozy and Hollande each had a plan, but Macron has said that he wants his plan to be more long term. It will be put to public consultation in September, with a view to publishing it by the end of the year. The plan is expected to look ahead for 10 years.

There will be three priorities: –

• Improved prevention
• Limiting side-effects of treatment and improving patients’ quality of life
• Fighting cancers with the worst prognosis for both adults and children

The President of Cancer Support France partner La Ligue contre le cancer, Axel Khan, is behind the plan. Both he and senior representatives of the pharmaceutical industry have expressed their satisfaction that Président Macron is giving his personal endorsement to the plan.

Source: – Le Figaro

February 2021

The European Cancer Patient Coalition has launched a ‘Personalised Medicine: A guide for Patients’ – a booklet to address the opportunities and challenges that personalised medicine provides, so that the needs of cancer patients across Europe are met.

Click here for the full booklet: –
https://ecpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Personalised-Medicine-Booklet-2020.pdf

Penny Parkinson – November 2020

The Cycle for Life started on Wednesday 23rd September, after lunch.

The 14 cyclists had a lemon-drizzle cake, provided by CSF member, Jackie Smith, at the afternoon water stop.

The riders were happy to arrive at the bar in Saint-Savinien in time to avoid a drenching when the heavens opened.

On the second day, they rode through rain and arrived, mud-splattered, in Cognac.

Day 3

The third day started from Cognac, unfortunately with torrential rain.

The weather improved during the morning, resulting in a lovely ride through vineyards. As harvesting is still going on, the cyclists were certain that they could smell the grape juice!

They stopped for a picnic lunch within sight of the 13th century chateau at Vibrac.

An excellent day’s ride ended at Angoulême on the Charente river for a relaxing supper.

Last Day

The CSF Cycle Ride, edition 2020, began the final day at the Plan d’eau de la Grande Prairie. This 22 kilometer circular ride around Angoulême took place in better weather than the riders experienced earlier in the week.

It ended with a relaxed lunch prepared by Paula Cragg, President of the CSF Affiliate Dordogne-Ribèrac and members.

Thanks to all those who helped in this annual event – the only event that is run exclusively to provide vital funding for the work of CSF (National).

And especial thanks to the riders!

We hope to see you next year.

To view the gallery of pictures of the 2020 ride, click here.

September 2020

Cat Hartley of CSF Languedoc has been awarded the British Empire Medal. She received the award at a ceremony on 5 July at the British Embassy in Paris, in recognition of her services to British nationals in France, affected by cancer.

Her nomination was led by a small group of volunteers and supporters of Cancer Support France Languedoc.   Her nomination included testimonials from clients and their families, from fellow volunteers and from a senior medical oncologist at ICM Montpellier.

Cat is a French national who worked in the UK for over 35 years before returning to France in 2007. She enjoyed a successful career in the retail industry, after which she retrained in the field of complementary medicine, gained several ITEC diplomas and established her own successful practice in London.

She volunteered with the north London ‘Cherry Lodge’ cancer care centre, and on moving to France, continued her involvement by offering holiday respite care in her new home to cancer patients and their families nominated by Cherry Lodge.

By 2009 Catherine was understanding how difficult cancer situations could be for local expats, especially those not speaking adequate French and unfamiliar with the French medical system. Working with a small group of founder members she helped set up CSF Languedoc. Cat became President early in 2010, holding that position for some 5 years.

Cat sees this award as recognition of the work of all the many volunteers and friends of Cancer Support France both locally in the Languedoc and across France.

July 2020