On the Metropolis of Science and Business, cancers demystified

In fixed improve in France for 30 years, most cancers is at present an actual phenomenon of society: almost 4 million1 of our fellow residents face or have already confronted this illness. A making an attempt journey and, most of the time, lived within the shadows. As a way to break the silence, the Metropolis of Science and Business opened on September 6 Most cancersthe primary normal public exhibition devoted to the topic. An initiative consistent with the general public service mission of the institution, as defined by Laurence Caunézil, co-curator of the exhibition: “The Cité des sciences et de l’industrie addresses themes of science and society . That is the case with most cancers, a illness that’s nonetheless little recognized and taboo in lots of respects, though it might probably have an effect on all of us. In partnership with the Nationwide Most cancers Institute (INCa) and INSERM, we needed an exhibition that was each very instructional and hopeful, by means of testimonials of remission, the state of analysis and data on therapies. »

Put an finish to obtained concepts

The exhibition, which revolves round 5 massive thematic areas, initially seeks to deconstruct obtained concepts. It’s also referred to as Most cancers within the plural, versus the generally used singular. For Laurence Caunézil, this editorial selection makes good sense: “There are greater than 200 totally different cancers. Even when all of them have in frequent an anarchic proliferation of cells, they don’t assault the physique in the identical manner. For a similar organ, we will discover very assorted cancers. »

Opposite to well-liked perception, most cancers will not be a contemporary illness however a pure course of inherent in multicellular beings. “The exhibition begins with an animated movie that traces the evolution of most cancers over greater than 500 million years”, specifies the curator of the exhibition. “We uncover that this illness additionally impacts vegetation and animals”. Guests are then invited to maneuver freely within the 4 different areas, the place they will be taught extra in regards to the formation of cancers, with the screening of a movie that explains the genetic and organic processes at work. The house entitled “Déflagration” provides the ground to sufferers and their family with the dissemination of testimonies evoking particularly the state of amazement that accompanies the announcement of the analysis. “For 32% of sufferers, this second was essentially the most violent of their course”, feedback Laurence Caunézil. The results of most cancers on the each day lifetime of the affected person but additionally on his household, pals {and professional} circles are approached with out language of wooden. The testimonials additionally present how it’s attainable to bounce again after this ordeal. “We’re too usually unaware of it, however advances in analysis make it attainable to remedy one out of two cancers”, remembers Laurence Caunézil.

Behind the scenes of analysis

Therapies are broadly mentioned within the exhibition. A 26-minute movie follows the journey of 4 sufferers, every at a unique stage, thus offering an summary of standard care (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgical procedure) but additionally extra revolutionary ones equivalent to hormone remedy, immunotherapy, focused therapies and supportive care (diet, psychology, and many others.). With out forgetting a list of analysis in France by means of interviews with 11 high-level researchers. In a conversational tone, they reveal their avenues of labor and the views supplied by new therapies. Two of them can even come to animate conferences on web site (on-line registration on the location).

Prevention goal

On the intersection of every of the 5 areas of the exhibition, a big sculpture referred to as totem challenges guests and gives them with further insights. One in all them gives info on screening and analysis, whereas one other particulars the hyperlink between most cancers and exterior elements equivalent to food plan or the setting.

Practically half of cancers may very well be averted by altering habits: a three-minute check, made up of 12 questions, permits guests to evaluate their very own danger of creating the illness. It’s accompanied by customized recommendation to behave proactively, significantly by way of good habits and participation within the numerous screening campaigns, the significance of which Laurence Caunézil remembers: “detected early, colorectal most cancers, for instance, is cured 9 occasions on 10”.

Most cancersfrom September 6, 2022 to August 8, 2023 on the Metropolis of Science and Business of La Villette, 30 Av. Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris. Program and helpful info right here.

(1) = Overview of cancers in France – INCa, 2021 version

(2) = Viavoice institute survey for Rose up – September 2021