Béziers Breast Institute Faces Scrutiny Over Unrecognized Support Care
The Bélise Breast Institute in Béziers, France, cofounded by Hélène Harmand-Icher, faces public scrutiny after an investigation by L’Express revealed it offers support care practices not recognized by the National Cancer Institute. The facility provides therapies including foot reflexology, sophrology, and hypnosis to women undergoing cancer treatment, despite the French National Order of Physicians cautioning against such unproven methods.
Public Health Officials Debate Alternative Therapies in Cancer Care
The investigation highlights a contradiction between the clinical guidelines established by the National Cancer Institute (Inca) and the practices offered at the Bélise Breast Institute. Inca defines approved cancer support care strictly as pain management, psychological support, nutrition, physical activity adaptation, and smoking cessation assistance. Reflexology and sophrology are excluded from these official guidelines.
Hélène Harmand-Icher defends the institute’s offerings, characterizing the therapies as wellness support that operates alongside a coordinated medical pathway without making therapeutic promises. Conversely, Professor Ivan Krakowski, former president of the Francophone Association of Oncological Support Care, states that the efficacy of these practices lacks sufficient scientific demonstration to warrant their inclusion inside formal medical care structures.
Bélise Breast Institute Relies on Public Subsidies
Financial transparency regarding the Bélise Breast Institute remains questioned as the facility does not publish its financial accounts. Investigators report that the institution relies on public donations alongside financial subsidies provided by the city hall and the regional health agency. The investigation also notes that certain practitioners recommended by the institute allegedly offered preferential rate appointments at their private offices outside of the free services provided at Bélise.
Questions Surrounding Unregulated Healthcare Practices
The controversy intensifies due to Harmand-Icher’s leadership role within the National Order of Physicians. In a December 2025 bulletin issued on behalf of the medical order, she previously wrote that offering such alternative practices under the guise of medicine constitutes quackery when performed by doctors, or illegal practice of medicine when offered by non-healthcare professionals.
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