Dakar, Senegal – – Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has directed his government to strengthen cancer prevention and early detection initiatives, according to a statement released following a Council of Ministers meeting. The directive comes as the world observes World Cancer Day, highlighting the critical need for increased awareness and access to care.
President Faye emphasized the importance of bolstering prevention efforts, raising public awareness and improving early detection of cancers, with a specific focus on childhood and female cancers. He also underscored the urgency of enhancing access to cancer treatments and care. A key component of this effort is the completion of the National Oncology Center in Diamniadio, including its full construction, equipping, and commissioning.
The President has tasked Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko with overseeing the implementation of a ten-year national program dedicated to cancer prevention and control. This comprehensive program aims to address the growing burden of cancer in Senegal and improve outcomes for patients.
The Cancer Burden in Senegal
Cancer represents a significant public health challenge in Senegal. According to data from the Senegalese League Against Cancer (LISCA), approximately 1,836 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed annually, resulting in 976 deaths. Senegal recorded approximately 11,841 new cancer cases and 8,134 cancer-related deaths in . These figures highlight the substantial impact of the disease on the population.
Female cancers are among the leading causes of death among women in Senegal. Cervical cancer is particularly prevalent, with 2,064 new cases reported each year. Approximately 70% of cancer patients in Senegal are diagnosed at advanced stages by , often requiring chemotherapy.
Focus on Early Detection and Screening
Health officials emphasize that early detection is crucial for improving cancer survival rates. Dr. Fatma Guenoune, President of LISCA, stresses the importance of screening beginning at age 40, noting that early detection significantly increases the chances of survival and reduces the costs associated with extensive treatment.
The national “Pink October 2025” campaign, launched on , in Dakar, exemplifies the commitment to raising awareness and promoting screening for breast and cervical cancer. This initiative aims to mobilize public spaces and local communities to encourage early detection.
Recent efforts to improve access to screening include a 30% reduction in the cost of mammograms during the month of October, lowering the price from 30,000 FCFA to 15,000 FCFA. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Social Action, aims to make screening more affordable and accessible to a wider population.
Addressing Challenges and Improving Access to Care
The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the Senegalese government’s efforts to improve timely cancer diagnosis and prevent fatalities. Dr. Lucile Imboua, WHO Representative, emphasizes that “Early intervention saves lives,” and highlights that many childhood cancer deaths are preventable through earlier diagnosis and improved access to care. A key challenge is improving communication among parents and guardians to ensure children are examined promptly if signs of cancer are observed.
The Senegalese government has already implemented measures to improve access to care, including a 50% government subsidy on childhood cancer treatment at the Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, reduced costs for certain tests and surgeries, and the provision of some cancer medications at no cost. The planned National Oncology Center in Diamniadio is expected to further enhance access to specialized cancer care.
The President’s call for a national program and the ongoing initiatives demonstrate a growing commitment to tackling the cancer burden in Senegal. Efforts to raise awareness, improve early detection, and enhance access to treatment are crucial steps towards reducing the impact of this disease on the population. The government is also encouraging open dialogue about cancer within families and communities to break down stigmas and provide support to those affected.
In Diourbel, the recent installation of a new mammography machine further strengthens the country’s capacity for early detection. The Minister of Health reiterated the importance of October as a period for sensitization, unity, and action in the fight against cancer, particularly breast cancer, a cause that affects the entire community.
