Women lead fight against pollution in France
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Fleur Breteau, founder of the Cancer Colère collective, and other women are speaking out against pollution and its health effects in France.
Breteau began her activism while undergoing chemotherapy in 2025, angered by parliamentary debates allowing the reintroduction of banned pesticides. She publicly confronted lawmakers, accusing them of supporting conditions that cause cancer, and subsequently founded Cancer Colère, which now has 24 local branches, 80% of its members are women.
Breteau and others believe that acknowledging anger about illness is a healthy response, allowing people to take action rather than feel helpless. France has high rates of both breast cancer and pesticide use, nearly one kilogram per person annually, which fuels their activism. The collective plans to protest at the Syngenta petrochemical plant in Saint-Pierre-la-Garenne on October 3, joining forces with agricultural and environmental groups. The event promises to be both joyful and angry, reflecting the activists’ determination.
The gathering concluded with a performance from the techno-activist collective Planète Boum Boum, demonstrating that anger can be expressed through celebration as well.
