A French politician sparks controversy by linking breast cancer awareness to pesticide giant Syngenta, accusing it of profiting from both carcinogens and cures.
French politician criticizes October Pink campaign
A French politician, Mathilde Panot, has drawn criticism for questioning the October Pink campaign, which encourages breast cancer screening. She claimed the campaign has industrial ties, suggesting it benefits from companies involved in pesticides and cancer treatments.Panot links campaign to Syngenta
Panot accused Syngenta, a company with origins in Imperial Chemical Industries, of producing harmful pesticides like DDT, which she called an endocrine disruptor and potential carcinogen. She claimed Syngenta profits from both the production of such chemicals and the treatment of breast cancer.Panot claims Syngenta started the campaign
Panot stated that Syngenta judged its breast cancer market too limited in the mid-1980s and launched the campaign that became October Pink in France. She also linked the Israeli subsidiary of Syngenta, Adama, to "Israel's colonial expansion projects."Pink Ribbon association responds
Karine Martin Laprade, director of the Pink Ribbon association, expressed disappointment with Panot's accusations. She emphasized that the association is apolitical and focuses on supporting research and raising awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening.Origins of October Pink clarified
Laprade explained that the October Pink campaign originated in the late 1980s in the United States to raise awareness about cancer. The French association Pink Ribbon has a different origin, stemming from the small pink ribbon that brings people together.Caregiver condemns Panot’s remarks
Michelle, a former caregiver who had breast cancer, called Panot’s statements "unthinkable" and "criminal." She emphasized the importance of early detection through mammograms and argued that Panot "mixed everything up."Breast cancer statistics and screening
According to Laprade, one in eight women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the first female cancer. Nearly 12,000 women die annually from 60,000 cases detected. She stressed that more than one woman out of two does not go for screening, often due to fear of results or daily life responsibilities.Screening as a routine practice
Laprade suggested that screening should be a reflex, like brushing teeth. She noted that mammography is fully reimbursed by the Health Insurance for women between 50 and 74 years old, with an invitation letter sent every two years. For women under 50, it is reimbursed at 70%.
