By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, Feb. 4, GNA – 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.
In a statement issued by Mr Paul Opoku, Founder and President of ACO, to mark the World Cancer Day and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the Organisation said prevention remained the most effective and sustainable strategy for saving lives as cancer incidence continued 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 marginalised populations.
It noted that cancer remained 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 centre 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 promote 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 community 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 behaviour, 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.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe