To mark World No Tobacco Day on May 31, the Baclesse Center is highlighting the efforts it has made over the years to prevent and reduce smoking, the leading preventable risk factor for cancer and the cause of the vast majority of lung cancers.
A long-standing commitment
Since 1999, smoking cessation counseling has been offered to patients by a tobacco specialist. In response to growing demand, this program was quickly expanded to include the facility’s staff.
In 2014, special signage was installed at the entrance to the Center to raise public awareness and encourage people to quit.
In 2016, the creation of a position for a nurse specializing in addiction treatment helped strengthen the support services offered. At the same time, the occupational health department launched prevention initiatives, particularly as part of the “Smoke-Free Month” campaign, which has become an annual event for the teams.
A "Smoke-Free Health Facility"
In 2019, the Baclesse Center joined the “Smoke-Free Healthcare Facility” network and was awarded Silver status. It is the first cancer center to achieve this level of recognition, and the fourth healthcare facility in France to do so.
This initiative relies on the collective involvement of all healthcare professionals, with the goal of preventing smoking and supporting those who wish to quit.
The Role of Tobacco in Oncology
This commitment is essential given the impact of tobacco on health. In France, tobacco is responsible for nearly 79,000 deaths each year, a large proportion of which are linked to cancer. Lung cancer, in particular, is on the rise among women and could become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this population.
Tobacco is linked to the development of 17 types of cancer, including cancers of the liver, pancreas, stomach, kidney, bladder, cervix, breast, colon and rectum, and ovaries, as well as cancers of the head and neck and certain types of leukemia.
Smoking cessation, an integral part of treatment
In the context of cancer treatment, quitting smoking is a key factor in maximizing the effectiveness of care.
Watch the video below from Unicancer to see how they provide this support.
Dedicated support for patients
Even after a cancer diagnosis, quitting smoking remains beneficial. It helps patients tolerate treatments better, reduces complications, and lowers the risk of recurrence. The teams at the Baclesse Center are committed to supporting each patient through this process.
In 2025, the tobacco specialist and the addiction nurse conducted 221 initial smoking cessation consultations and 161 follow-up consultations.
In 2024, the Center launched a smoking cessation program designed to improve early detection of lung cancer and promote smoking cessation among at-risk populations. This initiative is part of the national IMPULSION program.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for smoking cessation counseling, please call 02 31 45 40 02.
Dedicated support for employees at the Center
In addition, the occupational health and safety department at the Baclesse Center systematically offers support to employees who smoke and wish to quit or cut back. Nicotine replacement therapies are available to them free of charge , along with information on the use of e-cigarettes. Regular appointments are offered throughout the year to support them in their efforts.
Beyond World No Tobacco Day, the Baclesse Center remains fully committed to supporting those who wish to quit smoking throughout the year.
