Ahead of the 2026 World Cancer Day on February 4, the African Cancer Organisation (ACO) has renewed its call on African governments, institutions and communities to prioritise prevention as the most effective and sustainable way of reducing the growing cancer burden on the continent and among the African diaspora.
In a statement issued in Accra on Tuesday February 3, ACO said it was joining the global community to commemorate the day under the theme “Close the Care Gap”, which it noted aligns strongly with its mission to promote equitable access to cancer information, preventive services and early detection, particularly for underserved and marginalised populations.
The organisation warned that cancer continues to pose a major public health challenge in Africa, with incidence rates rising steadily and many cases linked to preventable risk factors and late diagnosis.
“Our vision is clear: prevention must be at the centre of Africa’s cancer response,” said Paul Opoku, Founder and President of the African Cancer Organisation. “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.”
ACO explained that its work is guided by three key strategic pillars: advocacy, capacity development and research. Through advocacy, the organisation seeks to influence policy, strengthen national cancer control strategies and promote increased investment in prevention and early detection. In the area of capacity development, ACO focuses on building the skills of health workers and institutions to deliver cancer prevention services. Its research pillar aims at generating context-specific evidence to guide interventions, inform policy decisions and ensure prevention strategies are culturally relevant and effective.
As part of its World Cancer Day activities, ACO is also spotlighting its flagship ACO Woman Campaign, an initiative dedicated to empowering women with knowledge and access to preventive services to help prevent and downstage cancers at stages where cure is still possible.
The campaign focuses on increasing awareness of early warning signs, promoting regular screening and HPV vaccination, delivering culturally tailored education through community networks, and strengthening partnerships with health facilities to improve access to services. ACO said the campaign positions women as central agents of change in advancing cancer prevention within families and communities.
In addition, the organisation is highlighting the ACO Diversity and Cancer Prevention Program, which aims to address disparities in cancer risk, awareness and access to preventive services among diverse population groups across Africa and the diaspora.
According to ACO, the programme seeks to understand how cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic factors influence cancer risk and health-seeking behaviour, develop targeted prevention strategies for underserved communities, promote inclusive health communication, and strengthen partnerships with community leaders, diaspora groups and international institutions.
The organisation said the initiative reinforces its commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the fight against cancer.
ACO concluded with a call on governments, civil society organisations, healthcare providers and international partners to intensify investment in cancer prevention and early detection, while encouraging individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles, seek regular screening and support people living with cancer.
“World Cancer Day is a reminder that progress is possible when we act together,” Mr Opoku added. “By prioritising prevention today, we protect the health and future of generations across Africa and beyond.”
