Juin Vert: Boosting Cervical Cancer Screening and HPV Vaccination in Occitanie
Public health officials in Occitanie have launched the “Juin vert” campaign to address cervical cancer, a disease resulting in 1,100 deaths and 3,000 new cases annually across France. The initiative aims to improve screening rates, which currently lag behind the European target of 70%. According to François Mengin Lecreulx, director of the ARS Occitanie, the campaign seeks to reduce mortality and case numbers by 30% over the next decade through increased awareness and vaccination.
Cervical Cancer Screening Challenges
France recorded a 60.9% screening rate in 2025, falling short of the 70% threshold considered acceptable at the European level. Regional data shows that while Occitanie performs slightly better at 63.2%, significant disparities persist between departments. The Gard department reported a 63.5% rate in 2024, whereas the Hérault department remains the lowest in the region at 59.8%, according to local health authorities.
Experts emphasize that early detection is the only method to effectively eradicate the disease. Pierre Mares, president of the Centre régional de coordination du dépistage des cancers en Occitanie (CRCDC-OC) and a gynecologist at the CHU de Nîmes, notes that 80% of women are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) during their lifetime. Because the interval between infection and cancerous lesions is approximately 10 years, screening starting at age 25 is critical.
The median age for the onset of cervical cancer is 52 years, meaning that routine screening starting at age 25—offered free of charge by the French social security system—provides a significant window to prevent the disease’s progression.
Strategies for Reaching Underserved Populations
Health officials are prioritizing outreach to populations currently excluded from standard care, particularly those in precarious situations or older women who stop screening after menopause. “There is a life after 65 years, the screening must not stop,” says Pierre Mares. To combat these gaps, the local social security office (CPAM) is using telephone outreach to contact women directly, while the Ligue contre le cancer in the Gard uses a “proxi-bus” to reach residents in priority neighborhoods (QPV).
The focus on “going toward” the public—rather than waiting for patients to visit clinical settings—highlights a shift in public health strategy. By addressing the barriers posed by social precariousness and geographic isolation, agencies like the ARS and the Ligue contre le cancer are attempting to bridge the gap between national guidelines and actual patient participation.
Future Outlook for Vaccination and Screening
The “Juin vert” campaign also promotes HPV vaccination for students starting at age 11, with an objective to reach 80% coverage for 5th-grade students by 2030. Current progress shows 51% of girls and 32% of boys vaccinated. While regional vaccination rates in the Gard and Hérault remain below these targets, health professionals anticipate that continued field work could drive these percentages upward in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for free cervical cancer screening?
All women over the age of 25 are eligible for screening, which is fully covered by the social security system. The protocol involves a smear test every 1 to 3 years for women aged 25-29, and an HPV test every 3 to 5 years for those over 30.
Can the HPV vaccine replace screening?
No, medical professionals emphasize that vaccination does not replace the need for regular screening. While vaccination prevents HPV infection, screening remains the primary tool for detecting early lesions.
Why is there a specific focus on reaching older women?
According to Noémie Aldigier, deputy director of the CPAM of the Hérault, there is a noticeable “drop-off” in screening among older, menopausal populations. Officials are working to ensure these women continue to participate in screening programs regardless of their age.
Have you or someone you know encountered barriers to accessing local health screening services?