The Antoine Lacassagne Center in Nice has signed the “Tobacco-Free Health Place” charter. The establishment becomes the first hospital in the Alpes-Maritimes to join this national initiative. The objective is clear: to protect patients, users, and professionals while supporting smokers towards quitting.
The Centre Antoine Lacassagne officially announced its commitment to the “Tobacco-Free Health Place” initiative early this week. The signing of the charter took place in the amphitheater of Building A, in the presence of medical teams, institutional and associative partners. The event marks an important step for the establishment, which places prevention at the core of its mission.
Tobacco remains the leading risk factor for cancer in France. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is responsible for nearly 45,000 deaths per year. As a cancer treatment center, the establishment in Nice has chosen to strengthen its role in prevention. Since October, all indoor and outdoor spaces, including parking lots, have become smoke-free and without vaping.
The general director, Professor Emmanuel Barranger, emphasized the importance of this approach: “As a reference establishment in oncology, we have a duty to embody the values of prevention and exemplary behavior. This label strengthens our collective commitment to protect the most vulnerable and promote health for all.”
A Collective and Structured Approach
The project is part of the National Tobacco Control Plan 2023-2027 and the regional health project led by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Health Agency (ARS). It is coordinated by the Network for the Prevention of Addictions (RESPADD), which brings together over 1,000 establishments in France. ARS Paca funded a dedicated project manager position within the center. The Regional Coordination Association in Addictology (ARCA Sud) provided support, particularly for the implementation of signage.
The Antoine Lacassagne Center also collaborates with other specialized establishments, such as the Paoli Calmettes Institute in Marseille and the Avignon Provence Cancer Institute. These partnerships aim to develop joint actions for smoking prevention.
Before implementation, a survey was conducted among 196 patients and 341 professionals. The results show broad approval: 92% of patients consider it positive to ban tobacco throughout the establishment. Among professionals, 61% believe that smoking in work attire harms the image of hygiene, and 67% harm the image of exemplary behavior. The survey also reveals that 24% of professionals and 15% of patients declare themselves smokers, a figure close to the national average.
These data helped to construct a participative action plan. It combines training, support, and communication. The goal is to support smokers in their cessation efforts while strengthening the establishment’s coherence in public health.
Concrete Measures to Support Change
Several measures have been implemented. Specific “Tobacco-Free Health Place” signage has been installed across all sites. All professionals receive RPIB (Early Detection and Brief Intervention) training. These sessions aim to promote a caring approach to smokers. Nicotine substitutes are made available to patients and staff. Consultations in tobacco addiction, hypnosis, and acupuncture are offered for personalized support. Assistance with prescription of substitutes has been integrated into the electronic patient file. Caregivers can also benefit from follow-up thanks to the Mozart Institute teams.
Julie Fournil, nurse and project manager, highlights the spirit of this initiative: “Beyond a ban, the ‘Tobacco-Free Health Place’ approach is above all a human and collective project, built with care and conviction. Signing the charter acknowledges the daily commitment of all teams.”
Dr. Joseph Sicurani, a tobacco addiction specialist, stresses the importance of this initiative in the treatment process: “Smoking cessation is an integral part of cancer treatment; it is our duty to support patients.”
A Policy in Line with the Values of the Establishment
The initiative is not limited to public health. It is also part of an environmental approach, eliminating the presence of cigarette butts and smoking areas. It helps to improve quality of life at work and promote a soothing care environment. The Antoine Lacassagne Center thus affirms its desire to combine care, prevention, and support.
Founded in 1961, the establishment is a member of the Unicancer network. It cares for more than 6,400 patients annually and has a comprehensive technical platform, including proton therapy. Its missions cover care, research, and teaching. In November 2023, it was certified by the Haute Autorité de Santé with the mention “High Quality of Care.”
