African Cancer Organisation Calls for Increased Investment in Cancer Prevention on World Cancer Day

Accra: The African Cancer Organisation (ACO) has called on governments, civil society, healthcare providers, and international partners to intensify investment in cancer prevention and early detection. It said individuals also had a responsibility to adopt healthy lifestyles, undergo regular screening, and support persons affected by cancer. According to Ghana News Agency, in a statement issued by Mr. Paul Opoku, Founder and President of ACO, to mark World Cancer Day, the Organisation highlighted prevention as the most effective and sustainable strategy for saving lives as cancer incidence continues to rise across Africa. World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4 to raise awareness of the disease and promote its prevention, detection, and treatment. The statement said the global theme, 'Close the Care Gap,' aligned with ACO's mission to promote equitable access to cancer information, preventive services, and early detection, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations. It noted that cancer remains a growing public health challenge on the continent, with many cases linked to preventable risk factors and late diagnosis. The statement said ACO's work focused on strengthening prevention efforts by equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge, tools, and support systems needed to make informed health decisions. 'Our vision is clear: prevention must be at the center of Africa's cancer response. Through strong advocacy, capacity development, and research, we are building the foundations for a future where fewer people develop cancer and more lives are saved through early detection,' it said. As part of the World Cancer Day activities, the ACO was highlighting the Woman Campaign, a flagship initiative aimed at empowering women with knowledge and access to preventive services and promoting early-stage detection. It said the campaign sought to raise awareness of early warning signs, promote regular screening and HPV vaccination, deliver culturally appropriate education through commun ity networks, and strengthen partnerships with health facilities to improve access to services. The ACO Woman Campaign positions women as key agents of change in advancing cancer prevention within families and communities. It also highlights the ACO Diversity and Cancer Prevention Programme, which seeks to address disparities in cancer risk, awareness, and access to preventive services among diverse population groups across Africa and the diaspora. The programme, the statement said, aimed to examine how cultural, ethnic, socio-economic, and geographic factors influenced cancer risk and health-seeking behavior, develop targeted prevention strategies for underserved communities, promote inclusive health communication, and strengthen partnerships to advance equity in cancer prevention. The initiative reinforced ACO's commitment to ensuring that no community was left behind in the fight against cancer.