Brest, France – A collective dedicated to cancer screening in the Finistère region of Brittany convened on Monday, March 2, 2026, to address lagging participation rates in colorectal cancer screening programs. The meeting, organized by the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM) of Finistère, brought together representatives from the Ligue contre le cancer du Finistère, the regional cancer screening coordination center (CRCDC), the Regional Health Agency (ARS) and the agricultural social insurance fund (MSA).
The primary focus of the meeting was to boost screening rates among individuals aged 50 to 74. Currently, less than 40% of eligible Finistère residents are participating in the program, falling short of the recommended 65% threshold considered necessary for optimal population protection. Yvon Foll, secretary general of the Finistère branch of the Ligue contre le Cancer, noted a recent improvement, stating, “Thanks to a reinforced mobilization, we managed to increase this rate to 40% in 2025,” but acknowledged the significant gap remaining.
The initiative coincides with “Mars Bleu,” a national month dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer prevention and screening, mirroring the impact of “Octobre Rose” for breast cancer awareness. Maud Moreigne, risk management officer at the CPAM, emphasized the simplicity of the screening process. “A test is something simple,” she said, highlighting the accessibility and effectiveness of the free screening kits available through pharmacies.
Colorectal cancer is a significant public health concern, but early detection dramatically improves outcomes. According to the Ligue contre le cancer, nine out of ten cases are curable when diagnosed at an early stage. The organization is actively engaging public figures to promote the importance of screening, with eight personalities lending their support to this year’s campaign.
The CPAM of Finistère, located at 8 square Marc-Sangnier in Brest, is operating by appointment only, offering both in-person and telephone consultations. The organization’s telephone service is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with dedicated accessibility options for individuals with hearing impairments, including video relay services in French Sign Language and real-time transcription.
The Ligue contre le cancer is also encouraging public support through a solidarity shop, where purchases contribute to funding research programs and prevention campaigns. The organization emphasizes that early detection, combined with lifestyle factors like regular physical activity – at least 30 minutes daily – can significantly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
