Introduction: Concerns and questions have been raised regarding the health impacts of nuclear facilities on surrounding populations. A pilot multi-site study will be conducted to investigate the risk of cancer in adults living near six nuclear power plants. This study will assess whether such an approach can be applied to all nuclear facilities in France. Methods: This multicenter ecological-geographic study will analyze cancer incidence between 1995 and 2012 in the population aged 15 and older residing within a 20-km radius of six nuclear power plants. Incidence data are derived from cancer registries for sites where a link has been established with radioactive or chemical releases from the plants. Exposure will be estimated based on distance from the plant and data on radioactive releases into the air and water. A Poisson regression model will be developed, accounting for potential confounding factors. Results: Cancer incidence by type will be analyzed by five-year period, age group, and sex. The association between cancer risk and indicators of exposure to radioactive releases from the plants will be estimated. Conclusion: This multicenter ecological study will provide some answers to societal concerns regarding a possible excess incidence of cancer around nuclear power plants, but it will not allow for conclusions regarding a possible causal link. Finally, this pilot study will assess the feasibility of extending such a system to all nuclear facilities in France. (R.A.)