A poignant Instagram photo captures Alice Detollenaere in a hospital gown, an IV drip in her arm, holding hands with her partner, Olympic swimmer Camille Lacourt. Posted on Thursday, January 9, the image announces her months-long fight against breast cancer. “It’s done. After months of research, doubts, and medical uncertainties, I finally had this diseased breast removed,” shares the 32-year-old model and former Miss Burgundy 2010. “We’ve been holding our breath for months. I say ‘we’ because illness doesn’t strike alone—it inevitably affects loved ones.”
Detollenaere expressed deep gratitude to Lacourt for his steadfast support: “I’m incredibly fortunate to have a strong circle around me, especially the best man there is—as a nurse once told me about him. You’ve supported me from the start and continue to do so with strength and courage. I’m proud and lucky to have you by my side.” Lacourt reposted her message on his Instagram story, captioning it: “My wife, My Hero.”
She ended with a powerful call to action for women: “Because no one should feel isolated, because it shouldn’t be a source of shame or taboo—go get your breasts checked, girls. Take care of yourself.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. In France, nearly 60,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2018, leading to 12,000 deaths that year. However, mortality rates have dropped over the past 15 years due to enhanced screening and advanced therapies. Today, more than 87% of patients survive five years post-diagnosis, and 76% reach ten years.
