Cancer and pesticides: We have an astounding lack of political courage, accuses Fleur Breteau, founder of

“Cancer colère” is the name of a group of patients who link cancer to pesticide use, and it is also the title of Fleur Breteau’s book. As the founder and spokesperson of the movement, she shares her story of dealing with the illness and her struggles both during and after the passing of the Duplomb law.

Fleur Breteau will be in Montpellier on April 1st, at Sauramps bookstore for a public meeting. She will also speak at the “Pesticides and Cancer” congress on April 2nd and 3rd at the Botanical Institute.

There is a discussion on various risk factors associated with cancer, but insufficient attention is given to environmental causes, which is the main focus of the book “Cancer colère”. This book takes its name from a group of patients that emerged during the discussions and passage of the Duplomb law. The book emphasizes the political aspect of cancer and its implications.

The book references numerous studies, including Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” from 1962. The author highlights the increasing environmental causes of cancer and the lack of action being taken to address them, especially in light of alarming statistics and projections shared by global health organizations.

The author’s personal experience with breast cancer and chemotherapy shed light on the impact of the disease on the body, relationships, and professional life. Underlying the narrative is a call for political action to address the environmental factors contributing to the rise in cancer cases.

The book also exposes the conflict of interest where agrochemical companies produce both pesticides and products used in cancer treatments, raising ethical concerns. The Duplomb law is a focal point of discussion due to its role in raising awareness about the political nature of cancer causes.

The author calls for decisive political action to address the growing crisis of environmental causes of cancer, emphasizing the need for stronger regulation of agrochemical companies and advocating for public health over private economic interests.

The article also mentions a directive passed by the European Parliament in February 2026, granting unlimited authorization for pesticides, raising concerns similar to those seen in the tobacco and oil industries.

Overall, the article provides an overview of Fleur Breteau’s efforts to raise awareness about the political dimensions of cancer causes, particularly related to environmental factors and the need for urgent action.