French Towns Fight Preventable Cancers with New Label Program

Across France, a growing movement is underway to address preventable cancers, with a particular focus on lifestyle factors. Approximately 40% of cancers are linked to avoidable causes such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of physical activity, air pollution, UV exposure, endocrine disruptors, and pesticides.

A National Push for Prevention

Eighty percent of French citizens believe local officials have a role to play in cancer prevention, according to a 2023 survey relayed by the National Cancer Institute. Currently, France sees 389 new cancer cases per 100,000 inhabitants. To encourage proactive measures, the Ligue contre le cancer (French Cancer League) is introducing a free label to recognize municipalities committed to fighting the nearly 170,000 new annual cases linked to lifestyle.

Terres-de-Haute-Charente Leads the Way

The commune of Sandrine Précigout in Terres-de-Haute-Charente was among the first in France, and the only one in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, to receive the “Ma ville se ligue contre le cancer” (My town joins the fight against cancer) label in December. Actions like creating tobacco-free spaces, supporting sports-health activities, and providing “green prescriptions” – baskets of organic vegetables for pregnant women costing 4,000 € annually – are examples of initiatives being recognised.

Did You Know? The Ligue contre le cancer’s new label for municipalities is modelled after the “villages fleuris” (flowering villages) programme, with a rating of one to four ribbons based on commitment.

A Range of Preventative Measures

Robert Herrmann, national administrator of the Ligue, notes that mayors are already impacting public health through urban planning. The label proposes measures ranging from eliminating plastic in schools to using non-toxic cleaning products, promoting local food and soft mobility, and preventing tobacco use. Saint-Yrieix has submitted an application, and the towns of La Couronne and Cognac have expressed interest. A national commission will decide on the labellings, with the next meeting scheduled for June.

Pesticides: A Remaining Challenge

While the label recognizes 30 actions, only one directly addresses pesticides: informing residents about application dates and zones. André Puygrenier, former president of the collective Vigilance OGM et pesticides 16, notes this isn’t yet standard practise and faces resistance from agricultural groups. Jean-Louis Levesque, the mayor of Châteauneuf and a physician, emphasizes the importance of communication regarding pesticide spraying, suggesting residents avoid outdoor exposure during application, especially when windy or near homes.

Expert Insight: The Ligue’s initiative highlights a growing recognition that local governments have a significant, yet often unrealized, impact on public health. By incentivizing preventative measures, the programme aims to shift the focus from treatment to proactive wellness strategies.

Some municipalities, like Ruelle and La Couronne, previously attempted to ban pesticide spraying near homes in 2019 and 2020, but these efforts were overturned by the prefecture.

Clusters of Cancer in La Rochelle

An investigation funded by the Ligue contre le cancer and the agglomeration of La Rochelle revealed a higher incidence of lung and upper respiratory cancers in six working-class neighborhoods between 2008 and 2019, disproportionately affecting men. The cause remains under investigation, but the areas’ industrial activity is being examined. It wasn’t until late 2025, following an article in France 3 and a meeting of health professionals, that the study’s findings gained wider attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of cancers are considered preventable in France?

Approximately 40% of cancers in France are linked to preventable factors, including tobacco, alcohol, diet, and environmental exposures.

What is the “Ma ville se ligue contre le cancer” label?

It’s a free label offered by the Ligue contre le cancer to recognize municipalities actively working to prevent cancer through various initiatives.

What is one area where the label currently offers limited recognition?

The label currently provides limited focus on addressing pesticide exposure, with only one action related to informing residents about application dates and zones.

As communities grapple with the complexities of public health, how might collaborative efforts between local governments, health organizations, and residents shape a healthier future?