A month-long sensitisation campaign on breast cancer was launched at the Ministry of External Relations in Cameroon on October 1, 2026. The event was presided over by Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Felix Mbayu. The campaign aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage early diagnosis and treatment. Various activities, including screening exercises, workshops, and sporting events, will be organised throughout the month.
The campaign, which is part of the Pink October initiative, will feature free screening exercises in partnership with health experts and three medical centres, including the International Red Cross Committee. The sporting activities will take place every Saturday of the month. The President of the Dynamic Women of Cameroonian Diplomacy, Sylvie Elung, emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. She encouraged women and men to get screened, saying that cancer is real and that fear should not prevent people from seeking medical attention.
Two cancer survivors, a female and a male, shared their experiences during the launch event, highlighting the physical and physiological challenges they faced. Their message was to shun fear, have courage, and follow medical treatment. Minister Felix Mbayu explained that the Pink October campaign articulates on four axes, including sensitisation on screening, mobilising funds for research and partners for collective action, and providing support to victims.
The Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Felix Mbayu, said that preserving human life is a top priority. He emphasised the need for collective action to combat breast cancer. The campaign aims to encourage women and men to take responsibility for their health and seek medical attention if necessary.
The Dynamic Women of Cameroonian Diplomacy, DYFEDCAM, is leading the campaign, which is supported by the Ministry of External Relations. The organisation's President, Sylvie Elung, is also the Inspector General in charge of Service at the Ministry of External Relations. The campaign is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early diagnosis and treatment in Cameroon.
Breast cancer is a significant health challenge in Cameroon, as in many other countries. The campaign aims to reduce the stigma associated with the disease and encourage people to seek medical attention if they suspect they have breast cancer. By working together, the organisers hope to make a positive impact on the lives of people affected by breast cancer.
The month-long campaign will conclude with a final event that will review the progress made and the impact of the sensitisation activities. The organisers hope that the campaign will lead to increased awareness about breast cancer and improved health outcomes for people in Cameroon. The Ministry of External Relations and DYFEDCAM will continue to work together to promote health and well-being in the country.
Key points
- The Pink October campaign in Cameroon aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage early diagnosis and treatment.
- The campaign features free screening exercises, workshops, and sporting events, and is supported by health experts and medical centres.
- The organisers hope that the campaign will lead to increased awareness about breast cancer and improved health outcomes for people in Cameroon.
