The 2026 edition of Senegal's national breast cancer awareness campaign, Octobre Rose, has begun with a stark reminder of the growing threat of breast cancer in the country. According to the Ligue sénégalaise contre le cancer (LISCA), Senegal records over 2,220 new cases and more than 1,300 deaths annually due to breast cancer, which remains the leading cancer among women in the country. This year's campaign, themed "Agir pour la vie" (Acting for Life), aims to raise awareness and combat the rising numbers.
The LISCA has highlighted that fear, lack of information, financial costs, and a shortage of medical equipment, particularly mammography machines in rural areas, contribute to delayed diagnoses, reducing chances of recovery. The organization emphasizes that early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. To address this, LISCA has launched free screening consultations at its Dakar headquarters, starting October 1st.
Dr. Fatma Guenoune, president of LISCA and a breast cancer survivor, has called for sustained efforts beyond the October awareness campaign. She stressed the need for a permanent health policy to modernize the national medical infrastructure, train medical personnel, and ensure continuous access to therapeutic molecules throughout the year. The LISCA is also expanding its outreach campaigns to peripheral regions, including Bambey, Touba, Kaolack, and Ngaye Mékhé, to reach the most vulnerable populations.
The LISCA's efforts are focused on decentralizing the response to breast cancer, with a particular emphasis on early detection and treatment. The organization has noted that delayed diagnoses are a significant challenge in the fight against breast cancer, with many cases being detected at advanced stages. By increasing awareness and access to screening, the LISCA hopes to reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer.
The Senegalese government has been urged to take a more proactive role in addressing the breast cancer crisis. This includes investing in medical infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and ensuring that essential medicines are readily available. The LISCA has emphasized that a comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the growing threat of breast cancer.
The Octobre Rose campaign has been launched at a critical time, with breast cancer cases on the rise in Senegal. The campaign's success will depend on the government's commitment to addressing the root causes of the problem, as well as the continued efforts of organizations like the LISCA. By working together, it is hoped that the number of breast cancer cases and deaths can be reduced.
The LISCA's call to action is clear: everyone must play a role in the fight against breast cancer. Through awareness, education, and early detection, it is possible to make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by the disease. As the Octobre Rose campaign continues, the focus will be on sustaining the momentum and ensuring that the issue of breast cancer remains a priority for the Senegalese government and people.
Key points
- * Over 2,220 new breast cancer cases and 1,300 deaths are recorded annually in Senegal. * The LISCA has launched free screening consultations in Dakar and is expanding outreach campaigns to peripheral regions. * The organization is calling for a permanent health policy to modernize medical infrastructure and ensure access to therapeutic molecules.
