The government of Burkina Faso has officially launched the Octobre Rose campaign, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide free screenings. The campaign, which began on October 3, 2026, in Saaba, aims to strengthen the detection and treatment of breast and cervical cancers. The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Health, Dr. Robert Lucien Kargougou, and the Minister of Family and Solidarity, Lieutenant-Colonel Passowendé Pélagie Kaboré.
According to Dr. Kargougou, breast cancer accounts for 55% of female cancers in Burkina Faso. Citing data from Globocan 2024, he reported 2,100 new cases of breast cancer and 1,035 deaths, resulting in three deaths per day. The Minister emphasized the urgent need for action, stating that the situation is "extremely difficult" and requires a proactive approach. To address this, the government plans to expand access to screenings, particularly through mobile clinics deployed across the country.
Since the introduction of mobile clinics, over 230,000 women have benefited from screenings for precancerous cervical lesions. Additionally, more than 30,000 women have received free breast cancer screenings, and approximately 2 million women have been educated on female cancers and breast self-examination. For the 2026 Octobre Rose campaign, the government aims to conduct 6,000 free breast cancer screenings, 100,000 cervical lesion screenings, and train 1 million women in breast self-examination.
Dr. Nayi Zongo, coordinator of the National Cancer Control Program, highlighted the campaign's focus on raising awareness, encouraging screenings, and teaching women breast self-examination techniques. He explained that mobile clinics will be deployed throughout the country, offering screenings in villages, rural communes, and fixed sites throughout October.
Lieutenant-Colonel Passowendé Pélagie Kaboré, Minister of Family and Solidarity, stressed the impact of cancer on families, emphasizing the need for early detection and treatment. She encouraged women to undergo regular screenings and practice breast self-examination, particularly after menstruation.
The 2026 Octobre Rose campaign aims to strengthen early detection and treatment of female cancers through the mobilization of fixed and mobile clinics across the country. All activities planned during the campaign are free of charge, making them accessible to a wider audience.
The campaign's goals are ambitious, with a focus on increasing awareness, promoting screenings, and providing treatment. By working together, the government and healthcare professionals hope to reduce the burden of breast cancer in Burkina Faso and improve the lives of women and families affected by the disease.
Key points
- The government aims to conduct 6,000 free breast cancer screenings and 100,000 cervical lesion screenings during the 2026 Octobre Rose campaign.
- Breast cancer accounts for 55% of female cancers in Burkina Faso, with 2,100 new cases and 1,035 deaths reported in 2024.
- The campaign's focus is on raising awareness, encouraging screenings, and teaching women breast self-examination techniques to promote early detection and treatment.
