Some seek support from loved ones, while others dare not talk regarding it. Cancer is still a taboo subject in our society, even if this disease is the leading cause of premature death in France. The new exhibition at the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie tackles this sensitive subject head-on.
“It’s important to have someone to talk to regarding it”, “We need to be surrounded in these moments”, “To say, it relieves”… We often advise people with cancer to talk regarding it with those around them. But how to do it ? How to find the right words? The City of Science and Industry provides some answers in its new temporary exhibition, “Cancers”.
Designed in partnership with the National Cancer Institute (INCa), it addresses one of the most dreaded chronic diseases from a scientific point of view, of course, but also psychologically and socially. “There is a lot to be said regarding this human affair: first, there is not one but cancers and their history begins 500 million years ago; then, research is active and progress in care is numerous; finally, four out of ten cancers might be avoided, if prevention were improved”declares Bruno Maquart, president of Universcience.
The patient at the heart of the exhibition
The route of the exhibition is not linear to better address the different aspects of a pathology that appeared half a billion years ago, with the advent of multicellular organisms. Visitors will be able to build a precise and colorful representation of cancer through five audiovisual programs. Three are devoted to medicine and research, and two to the feeling of explosion caused by the announcement of cancer.
This is the particularity and strength of the “Cancers” exhibition. She puts the patient at the heart of her remarks, but also the nursing staff as well as those who accompany the sick in their fight. Throughout the exhibition, five large sculptures address specific — and sometimes taboo — questions such as the impact of cancer on intimacy and self-image, the role of animals and also returning to work following recovery.
The course ends with a space relating to prevention. It allows everyone to test their prevention capital and benefit from practical advice on reducing their risky behavior or getting tested. In addition, associations involved in the health and social field will come and discuss with visitors during school holidays.
L’exposition “Cancers” runs until August 8, 2023 at the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie, in Paris.
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