World Cancer Day aims to prevent millions of deaths each year by raising awareness about cancer and urging governments and individuals worldwide to take action against the disease. It’s more than just a date on the calendar; our campaign is designed to inspire change and mobilize action long after the day itself. A multi-year approach ensures more exposure, engagement, opportunities to build global awareness, and, ultimately, more impact.

The theme for World Cancer Day from 2022 to 2024 is “Close the Care Gap.” Recognizing that each of us has the power to make a difference, large or small, the goal is to collectively make progress in reducing the global impact of cancer.

In 2024, the focus is on “Together, we challenge those in power,” marking the campaign’s third and final year. This theme underscores the global call for leaders to prioritize and invest in cancer prevention and care, working towards a just and cancer-free world.

The cancer situation in Africa is disheartening. In 2020, approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases occurred on the continent, resulting in around 700,000 deaths. Breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers account for about 50% of new cancer cases in adults in Africa. Without urgent measures, cancer mortality in the region is projected to reach about one million deaths annually by 2030. In the next 20 years, cancer death rates in Africa are expected to surpass the global average of 30%. This is exacerbated by the fact that cancer survival rates in the WHO African region currently average 12%, significantly lower than the global average.

Let’s unite in the fight against cancer. Join the global effort to close the care gap, challenge those in power, and work towards a future where cancer is no longer a threat to our communities.

Together, we can build a healthier and cancer-free tomorrow!