Octobre Rose 2026 awareness initiatives

During Octobre Rose 2026, numerous brands, businesses, media outlets, and organizations have launched a variety of initiatives to support breast cancer research, encourage early detection, and support those affected by the disease. These efforts include awareness campaigns, solidarity products, podcasts, charitable events, and fundraising activities.

Ruban Rose's national awareness campaign

The association Ruban Rose unveiled a national awareness campaign, "Agir pour soi. Donner l’élan aux autres. Changer une trajectoire," created by the agency Magic Garden. The campaign features a choreography by Yoann Bourgeois, focusing on themes of fall, balance, and rebound. The film, directed by Roman Veiga and produced by Ocurens, includes the voice of Leïla Kaddour-Boudadi, an ambassador for the association. It was presented on September 30 at the Champ-de-Mars.

Workplace communication challenges

According to a survey conducted by Fasterclass among 2,913 employees, only 12% of employees know what to say to a colleague who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, compared to 15% of managers. Due to fear of being tactless or intrusive, 62% of employees and 61% of managers have avoided discussing the illness with a colleague. Only 13% of employees find it easy to explain to their supervisor that they cannot return to work after a long illness. Additionally, 55% believe managers are insufficiently trained in sensitive conversations. The training organization advocates for better dialogue culture in the workplace.

Lidl's solidarity product

Lidl is partnering with Ruban Rose for an edition of its Parkside cordless screwdriver, available in a pink and black version. Sold from October 1 to October 31 in all Lidl stores in France, each unit sold contributes 2.50 euros to Ruban Rose.

France Pare-Brise and Gustave Roussy partnership

For the third consecutive year, France Pare-Brise is collaborating with Gustave Roussy under the campaign "Tout n’est pas rose." The network distributes 30,000 parking discs in its 700+ centers throughout October, each featuring a QR code linking to prevention information. Additionally, France Pare-Brise donates 1 euro to Gustave Roussy for each windshield replaced during the month.

Auberge du Mouton Blanc's solidarity dish

The Auberge du Mouton Blanc, a Parisian restaurant in the 16th arrondissement, has created a special "L’Œuf Rose," a mayonnaise dyed naturally with beets. Available for the entire month of October, each order contributes 2 euros to the association RoseUp, which supports women affected by breast cancer and their rights.

Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches initiatives

The Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches has launched several initiatives for Octobre Rose. Throughout October, its boats are illuminated in pink to raise awareness among Parisians and tourists. The company is offering 300 cruise tickets to patients at the Ambroise-Paré hospital and their loved ones, as well as three dinner cruises for two people through a raffle. A solidarity dessert, priced at 8 euros, allows for the full proceeds to be donated to Ruban Rose. A charitable run is also organized with Running Club Paris, and the company has become a patron of the association.

EnSanté's prevention campaign

The EnSanté service for workplace prevention and health is renewing its "Prends tes seins en main!" campaign, launched in 2024, with Ariane Brodier as ambassador. Deployed during Octobre Rose, this new edition features a pop visual identity dominated by pink to raise awareness of body knowledge and breast cancer screening. The campaign focuses heavily on social media to encourage sharing prevention messages among mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. An educational leaflet and downloadable awareness kit complement the initiative, aiming to reach women of all generations.

Compagnie des Déboucheurs partnership

The Compagnie des Déboucheurs, a network of over 110 agencies specializing in plumbing maintenance, is partnering with the Ligue contre le cancer for Octobre Rose. The company mobilizes its franchisees and technicians to relay prevention messages directly to individuals during their home visits. It also commits to donating a portion of its revenue generated during October to the Ligue to support research and patient support. An online fundraising campaign is also open to employees, clients, partners, and the general public.

Podcast on metastatic breast cancer

The independent podcast Les Chroniques Métastatiques, created in January 2026 by Claire Jacob, offers a replay of a radio show held on October 13, on the occasion of the World Day of Metastatic Breast Cancer. Produced in partnership with the Institut de Cancérologie de l’Ouest (ICO) and Jet FM, this 1h30 emission, recorded in public at the ICO, brings together patients and healthcare professionals around the theme "Mieux connaître pour mieux accompagner." The podcast, available on Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Podcasts, aims to give more visibility to women living with metastatic breast cancer and the challenges of their support.

Relais & Châteaux solidarity efforts

The Hostellerie de Levernois and the Château Sainte-Sabine, two five-star Relais & Châteaux establishments in Burgundy, are renewing their partnership with the Ligue contre le cancer de Côte-d’Or for Octobre Rose. Throughout the month, each offers two temporary cocktails, with and without alcohol, with 5 euros from each sale donated to the association. This solidarity operation has been repeated for several years.

Gala and Yepoda collaboration

Gala is partnering with the South Korean cosmetics brand Yepoda for a solidarity operation benefiting the Étincelle association, which supports women affected by cancer. From October 1 to October 28, the magazine offers a pocket-sized edition with a Yepoda day cream, priced at 5.50 euros, compared to the usual 3.50 euros. The additional 2 euros are fully donated to Étincelle.

Grity app and Centre Léon Bérard partnership

The Grity app, which focuses on sports and nutrition, is partnering with the Lyon-based Centre Léon Bérard, which specializes in cancer treatment. Throughout October, 1 euro is donated to the center for each subscription or renewal, without increasing the cost for users. The funds will contribute to financing two research projects on female cancers and the prevention of nerve pain related to chemotherapy. Founded by Justine Gallice and Thibault, the app also deploys educational content, testimonials, and a sports event on its platform and social media.

WPP France's Octobre Rose initiatives

WPP France is launching Récits d’octobre, a three-episode podcast presented by Carole Tolila, on the occasion of Octobre Rose. Two employees of the group, Claire and Isabelle, as well as the host Laurie Cholewa, share their experiences of breast cancer. Available on listening platforms, this program aims to raise awareness about screening and the role of caregivers. In parallel, WPP Media is voluntarily orchestrating the national media campaign for Ruban Rose, while the group is also deploying prevention actions with Keep A Breast and contributing to a guide Travail & Cancer with Gustave Roussy.

Pokawa's solidarity products

The Pokawa restaurant chain is renewing its partnership with Ruban Rose for Octobre Rose. From October 1 to October 31, it donates 10% of the selling price of two products to the association: the Pink Pudding, a dessert offered at 4.30 euros exclusively during the month, and the Strawberry Glow, a strawberry and banana smoothie sold year-round at 5.90 euros. The operation is deployed in Pokawa restaurants, on its website, and its app.

Chez Francis and Institut Rafaël collaboration

The Parisian restaurant Chez Francis is partnering with the Institut Rafaël, a center for integrative health dedicated to supporting people affected by cancer, for Octobre Rose. The establishment commits to donating a portion of the revenues generated during the entire month of October. This partnership was also highlighted during the Bal de l'Alma, held on September 30, where part of the proceeds also benefited the Institut.