The fight against gynecological cancers was at the heart of two major events in September 2025, combining awareness-raising, citizen mobilization and prevention actions, in Bagnoles-de-l'Orne and Paris. The Centre Baclesse is delighted with the outpouring of solidarity and national commitment that accompanied these initiatives.
Three days of mobilization in Bagnoles-de-l'Orne
From September 12 to 14, Bagnoles-de-l'Orne hosted the third Septembre Turquoise weekend, a unique event in France dedicated to raising awareness of gynecological cancers. Organized by Armelle LIPKA, the event attracted over 500 participants over three days, with conferences, concerts and solidarity walks.
The weekend kicked off with a conference at the Thermes, led by Dr Albane JAMARD and Dr Gwen LE GALL, bringing together 110 participants to discuss the challenges of preventing and treating gynecological cancers.
Saturday evening saw a charity concert at the Casino Joa, with the Gospel Flowers group, which thrilled the 250 spectators in attendance.
On Sunday, the flagship day of the mobilization brought together more than 500 hikers dressed in turquoise bandanas. Participants could choose between 2.5 km, 6 km or 10 km routes, taking in the forest, the château and the Gué-aux-Biches, starting from the station.
As Pr Roman ROUZIER, Director of the Centre Baclesse, points out: "Septembre Turquoise is a unique event that combines prevention and patient support. The practice of sport, such as walking, contributes to supporting patients while raising awareness among the general public."
All funds raised during the event, through registrations and donations, will be donated in full to the Centre Baclesse. In particular, they will be used to purchase an anti-hair loss helmet, used during chemotherapy, worth €24,500. The organizers also emphasized the importance of local partnerships with retailers, businesses and associations, which contributed to the weekend's success.
Launch of the Collectif Turquoise at the French National Assembly
A few days later, mobilization for the cause was extended to the national level with the official launch of the Collectif Turquoise at the Palais Bourbon, on the initiative of MP Michel LAUZZANA and in the presence of Véronique RIOTTON, President of the Delegation for Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities. This multi-disciplinary collective brings together patient associations, healthcare professionals, sociologists, research institutes and pharmaceutical laboratories, with the aim of promoting public policies for the prevention and management of gynecological cancers.
The ceremony began with a review of the current situation and recommendations, followed by a presentation of the Collectif's manifesto and main lines of action. The ceremony ended with the presentation of trophies for committed local authorities, with first prize going to the town of Bagnoles-de-l'Orne and Mrs Armelle LIPKA, in recognition of her exceptional commitment to Septembre Turquoise.
Hopeful local and national momentum
These two events are a perfect illustration of how local action and national mobilization can complement each other to advance the prevention and treatment of gynecological cancers.
The Centre Baclesse warmly thanks Mrs Armelle LIPKA, Mrs Virginie DREUX-COUSIN, all the volunteers and participants, as well as the institutional and associative players who support this cause.
Together, in Bagnoles-de-l'Orne and Paris, these initiatives demonstrate that it is possible to lift taboos, raise public awareness and provide concrete support for patients. The Centre Baclesse is delighted to continue this partnership and contribute to the spread of prevention and research into gynaecological cancers.
