A group of women affected by breast cancer gathers to discover scuba diving and complete level 1. This project, called Bulles Roses, was initiated by Dr. Véronique Vaini-Cowen, in collaboration with a sophrologist and volunteer instructors from local clubs in Bouches-du-Rhône.
An Aquatic Adventure
On Monday, June 9 at 1:00 PM, at the AixPlo club’s premises, the conditions are ideal for going out to sea. The mistral and swell are calming, allowing this group of about ten women, currently undergoing treatment or in remission, to dive. These Bulles Roses, who have been preparing for nine months, aim to validate their level 1 to participate in a diving trip to Cape Verde this fall. Enthusiastic, Aline, Antonella, Aurélie, Elisabeth, Michelle, Nathalie, Soline, and Sylvie, all in their forties and fifties, gear up under the watchful eye of the instructors, including Jérôme, the dive director. Their first immersion dates back to November, followed by several pool sessions in two Aix-en-Provence pools.
A Project Born in Polynesia
The idea of Bulles Roses came to life during a trip to Polynesia, in Fakarava. In 2024, Véronique Vaini-Cowen, a gynecologist in Bouches-du-Rhône and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, receives advice from Thibault Gachon, from the Polynesian diving centers union: “Have you read the works of Dr. Mathieu Coulange! Why not test it with your patients?” Dr. Coulange, head of the hyperbaric and underwater medicine department at APHM, has been studying the benefits of diving on mental health in collaboration with several research institutions since 2015.
The Benefits of Diving
The beneficial effects of diving are largely due to the cardiac coherence induced by slow and deep breathing, as well as the state of mindfulness fostered by exploring a new environment. Dr. Coulange emphasizes that this immersion helps restore body awareness. Véronique Vaini-Cowen, a level 3 diver, testifies to the benefits of immersion on stress and emotions. She proposes the Bulles Roses project to her patients during consultations in Aix-en-Provence, Manosque, and Salon-de-Provence. The goal is to regain self-confidence and trust in their bodies in the face of illness.
The sophrologist Michelle Andres also participates in the protocol: “During sophrology sessions, we anchor resources by associating a gesture to better project ourselves into the future.” The diving clubs AixPlo and Cab’Plongée organize the training, tailored to each individual’s progress.
An Enriching Experience
The group, which started with eighteen participants, now has eleven Bulles Roses. A minibus would be welcome to facilitate transportation, but for now, carpooling is preferred. The port of Lave, at l’Estaque (Marseille), is the chosen destination. The instructors ensure that each participant feels comfortable before the immersion.
Dives take place in a serene setting, where trust is paramount. Jérôme, the dive director, pays close attention to the participants’ faces. The apprehensions related to diving remind them of those related to illness. Dr. Vaini-Cowen specifies that there are no contraindications to diving, even during chemotherapy or radiotherapy, except in cases of heart failure.
A Fundraising for the Adventure
To finance the project and the diving trip, Dr. Vaini-Cowen organized charity dinners with starred chefs. The group members also raised funds by selling roses, lily of the valley, homemade pastries, and items from garage sales. These activities have strengthened the group’s cohesion.
The Bulles Roses are preparing to leave from November 2 to 9 to Mindelo, on the island of Sao Vicente, to dive in calm waters. Véronique Vaini-Cowen has already conducted a reconnaissance, and several participants wish to continue the adventure with AixPlo and their instructors, who are always patient and attentive.
Conclusion
The Bulles Roses project, led by the ASENOGYN association, offers women affected by breast cancer a unique opportunity to reconnect with their bodies and regain self-confidence through diving. This initiative, which combines well-being, solidarity, and a passion for the sea, demonstrates the benefits of underwater immersion on mental and physical health.
This article, originally written by Alexie Valois for our print edition, has been adapted for the web
Photos: Alexie Valois