France Faces Scrutiny as Cancer Rates Rise Faster Than European neighbors
PARIS – New data indicates France is experiencing a faster increase in cancer cases compared to other European nations, sparking concerns over prevention, data collection, and environmental factors. While cancer remains the leading cause of death in France, mortality rates have recently decreased, presenting a complex picture of the nation’s fight against the disease.
Despite a 17% drop in cancer-related mortality for men and a 5% decrease for women between 2011 and 2021, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), France lags behind European counterparts in both cancer screening participation and comprehensive data tracking.Only 29% of individuals targeted by France’s colorectal cancer screening campaign participate, compared to a European average of 44%. This shortfall is compounded by a critical lack of national cancer data; France currently lacks a national cancer registry, relying on estimates based on data from only a quarter of its population.
“the truth is that France does not know exactly its situation,” stated the national union of nursing professionals (SNPI CFE CGC). A law passed on June 30, 2025, aims to establish a centralized national register under the National Cancer Institute (INCa), but implementation has been delayed due to political instability.
The increase in cancer cases is attributed to a combination of lifestyle factors – including tobacco and alcohol consumption – and environmental exposures, such as pesticide use and pollution. These factors,coupled with low screening rates,contribute to the perception that France is struggling to effectively address the growing cancer burden.
The data concerning new cancer cases are based on only a quarter of the French population, with the remaining three-quarters relying on statistical estimates that vary between countries. This lack of reliable data hinders accurate assessment and targeted prevention efforts.
