In July 2002, France launched a national plan to fight cancer at the initiative of its President at the time, Jacques Chirac. This plan addressed a very strong need not only to provide better treatment for more cancers, alongside less suffering and higher survival rates, but also to change society’s attitudes towards cancer. It was proposed to set up an institution, serving as a centre of expertise and resources, which would ensure better coordination of all stakeholders in cancer control.
As a result, the French National Cancer Institute (INCa), created by the French Public Health Act of 9 August 2004, was founded.
Promoting an integrated vision of health, medical, scientific, social and economic aspects associated with cancer, the Institute endeavours to serve the entire population: patients, caregivers, healthcare system users, general population, healthcare professionals, researchers, and decision-makers. It has drawn up and ensured the implementation of the 2021-2030 France ten-year cancer-control strategy.
Over the last 20 years, significant progress has been achieved in many areas, thanks to the implementation of this integrated approach. All the players have come together, united by the Institute around the goals set by the ten-year strategy. The Institute’s staff and all the stakeholders share a common motto and belief: “Together, we will defeat cancer”.
