Problem addressed

Every year, around 174,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed in women, but medical advances are leading to many remissions or cures. Indeed, according to the Fondation Contre le Cancer, nearly 70 per cent of patients are still alive five years after their diagnosis (all types of cancer combined).

However, according to a study by the National Cancer Institute (INCA), three in five people report continuing to experience the after-effects of the disease two years after diagnosis, whilst 8.5 per cent feel they are subject to discrimination. Furthermore, the growth in outpatient treatments and therapies administered outside hospital settings is heightening the sense of isolation, the need for information and the need for support amongst patients who find themselves alone at home.

Innovative solution

The association's mission is to enable women facing cancer to continue living their lives as women, mothers and professionals both during and after treatment, and also to help them feel less alone in the face of the illness by enabling them to be part of a community, in particular by providing them with information and psychological support throughout the various stages of their illness.

To achieve its objectives, RoseUp has developed several initiatives, including:

• Rose Magazine: A women’s magazine with a print run of 180,000 copies, combining in-depth features with lighter topics. It is distributed free of charge in cancer centres and departments and is available online.
• Maison RoseUp: This centre aims to break the cycle of isolation, combat recurrence and empower women with cancer to take control of their own journey. Bringing together local organisations (charities, healthcare centres and other professionals), this centre is a true haven in the heart of Bordeaux, open to all women and free of charge. Here, they can find the resources they need (information, talks, etc.) to address all the challenges of living with and after the disease, and take part in workshops (beauty and wellbeing, nutrition, sport, creative arts, career coaching).
• RoseCar: a free car-sharing platform for journeys between home and hospital, aimed at fostering solidarity amongst patients, helping to reduce the cost of medical transport, easing the burden on carers and alleviating congestion in hospital car parks.

Key results and benefits

With over 6,800 users, the RoseApp has established itself as the go-to tool for carers, extending our mission beyond the walls of our Maisons RoseUp.

On the advocacy front, 2025 was marked by significant victories. Our campaign on behalf of ‘single mums’ and our work to reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients resonated strongly with the public authorities, reinforcing our role as a key player in the healthcare system.

Potential for mainstreaming

For RoseUp, 2025 will be remembered as the year of maturity and the practical realisation of our ambitions. After a decade of advocacy and innovation, our association has successfully turned things around to firmly establish its work at the grassroots level amongst women affected by cancer. This pivotal year has been characterised by consolidation.

This consolidation was first evident in the opening of our new Maison RoseUp in Bordeaux. This centre, now fully operational, strengthens our local presence and confirms the effectiveness of our comprehensive support model, which combines supportive care with social connection.

RoseUp is a laureate of the 2018–2019 cohort of the P'INS scale-up support programme, jointly run by Fondation Macif and Avise.