GENEVA/Switzerland: The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has unveiled its World Cancer Day 2024 Equity Report, shedding light on the widening gaps in preventing and surviving cancer among different populations. Released ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4, the report features insights from UICC Board Members, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu and Dr Miriam Mutebi, highlighting the stark realities faced by cancer patients in Nigeria and Kenya.
From the report, Sub-Saharan Africa witnessed over 800,000 new cancer cases and over half a million cancer-related deaths in 2020. Nigeria, with nearly 80,000 annual cancer-related deaths, and Kenya, where approximately 27,000 lives are lost to the disease annually, grapple with substantial challenges in cancer care. Breast and cervical cancers emerge as the most prevalent forms, accounting for the highest number of cancer-related deaths across the region.
Dr Miriam Mutebi, Breast Surgical Oncologist at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi and President of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, emphasized the challenges faced by patients in sub-Saharan Africa. She notes, “Patients in many countries…often do not complete their care,” citing financial, health system, and knowledge barriers as major hindrances to timely diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation in Nigeria, highlighted the impact of cultural beliefs and geographical challenges on cancer care in rural areas. She underscores the need for awareness campaigns involving religious and traditional leaders to combat social stigmas and misconceptions surrounding cancer.
Endemic barriers, coupled with stigma and socioeconomic factors, was identified to contribute to limited access to care and higher mortality rates. Lifestyle changes, coupled with an increase in cancer cases, further compound the challenges. The report emphasizes that modifiable behavioral factors contribute to over 40% of cancer deaths, calling for evidence-based prevention measures.
Dr Mutebi stressesed the need for collaboration among local governments, NGOs, and international organizations to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu advocates for the prioritization of universal health coverage, the creation of cancer care investment funds, and accelerated oncology training programs.
The UICC’s World Cancer Day 2024 Equity Report underscores the importance of cost-efficient prevention measures, such as limiting the marketing and consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy foods. It calls for disruptive funding models to make diagnostics and treatment more accessible, along with expanding and diversifying the health workforce to ensure gender equity in leadership roles.
In conclusion, Dr Mutebi emphasizes, “Where you live, how much money you make, your age, your health, your gender, who you love or the color of your skin shouldn’t dictate whether you have access to cancer care.” The UICC’s Equity Report aims to spotlight these obstacles and suggest strategies to overcome them.
World Cancer Day, observed globally on February 4, serves as a rallying cry to raise awareness about cancer and mobilize action. Spearheaded by the UICC, the day aims to save millions of lives by garnering support from governments and individuals worldwide.
