Every year, Pink October is an essential time to raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of breast cancer, a disease that affects over 60,000 women each year in France. In 2025, the CIS Group has once again committed itself to this global fight by mobilizing its teams at its headquarters in Marseille and in its subsidiaries worldwide. Here’s a look back at a month filled with solidarity and educational initiatives.

A strong commitment at the headquarters in Marseille

At the CIS Group headquarters in Marseille, a day of awareness was organized by the communication department. Led by Dr. Yanis Hassaine, an oncologist at the Paoli-Calmettes Institute, this session offered employees the opportunity to better understand the risks, symptoms, and importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection remains the most effective way to increase the chances of recovery, with 9 out of 10 cases successfully treated when detected early.

The efforts didn’t stop there. Several female employees from the headquarters participated in the famous “Marseille en Rose” race, a charitable event whose proceeds are entirely donated to the Paoli-Calmettes Institute, a leading organization in breast cancer research. This initiative combined sport, solidarity, and awareness in a vibrant and supportive environment.

A global awareness campaign across CIS subsidiaries

Kazakhstan: a symbol of hope

In Kazakhstan, the CAC Kazakhstan team used the Pink October campaign to remind all female employees of the importance of preventive screening. The teams proudly wore pink ribbons, symbols of solidarity and hope for women affected by breast cancer. This simple but impactful gesture raised awareness about prevention and showed concrete support for those battling the disease.

DRC: educating for better prevention

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the CSS team organized several educational sessions to raise awareness among employees about the importance of early detection. During these sessions, a healthcare professional explained the early signs of breast cancer and shared practical advice on self-examination techniques. Participants also wore pink ribbons to show their solidarity and commitment.

Ivory Coast: strengthening preventive actions

In Ivory Coast, the CIS Ivory Coast team organized an awareness session for employees to educate them on preventive measures and emphasize the importance of regular screenings. This initiative reinforced the local teams’ commitment to supporting the health and well-being of women through information and prevention.

Chad: solidarity and prevention in a friendly atmosphere

In Chad, on one of the CIS Chad sites, a collective meal was organized in a friendly atmosphere. This event provided an opportunity for open discussions about the importance of breast cancer prevention. The discussions particularly highlighted the necessity of regular screenings every two years starting at age 50, as well as the practice of self-examination to detect any early warning signs.

CIS: humanity at the heart of its commitments

Beyond its numerous actions during Pink October, CIS places humanity at the center of all its activities. Every day, the Group feeds and houses thousands of men and women worldwide, often in isolated and challenging environments. In 2024 alone, over 5,440 women worked within the Group, playing an essential role in the success of its various missions.

Women play a central role in CIS’s commitments, not only as part of its teams but also among the communities the company serves. By actively engaging in causes such as the fight against breast cancer, CIS also supports local associations and projects, such as ASEFV (Association for Supporting Vulnerable Women and Children) in Burkina Faso and literacy projects for rural women in Chad. These initiatives demonstrate the Group’s dedication to promoting well-being, health, and human dignity.

CIS reaffirms that its greatest strength lies in its people and that its commitment goes beyond its business activities: the company strives to create working and living environments where everyone, especially women, feels valued, supported, and protected.

In summary:

• 60,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in France.
• 1 in 8 women is at risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. When detected early, there is a 90% chance of recovery.
• CIS organized awareness campaigns at its Marseille headquarters and in its subsidiaries in Kazakhstan, DRC, Ivory Coast, and Chad. A variety of initiatives were held: educational sessions, charity races, communal meals, and awareness campaigns.
• The focus was on the importance of screening every two years starting at age 50 and learning self-examination techniques.
• CIS feeds and houses thousands of men and women worldwide while actively supporting women and placing their health and well-being at the forefront of its commitments.

FAQ: your questions about Pink October and CIS

Why does CIS participate in Pink October?
CIS participates in Pink October to raise awareness among its employees about the importance of prevention and early detection of breast cancer. As a human-focused company, CIS prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and the communities it serves.

Why is early detection important?
Early detection is crucial because breast cancer detected early has a 90% chance of recovery. It allows the disease to be identified at an early stage, before symptoms appear, enabling timely and effective intervention.

What actions has CIS taken as part of Pink October?
CIS has organized educational campaigns, charity events, and awareness-raising initiatives both at its Marseille headquarters and in its international subsidiaries. These initiatives include expert-led conferences, solidarity races, communal meals, and self-examination workshops.

How does CIS support women in its commitments?
CIS feeds and houses thousands of men and women in challenging environments worldwide and makes it a priority to support the health and well-being of women. Through initiatives like Pink October, CIS reaffirms its role as a committed advocate for women’s health and empowerment. Women are a vital part of CIS teams and the communities it serves, and the Group is proud to support initiatives such as literacy programs for rural women in Chad and partnerships with organizations like ASEFV in Burkina Faso.