Breast and cervical cancers are known to have the highest incidence and mortality rate among Sub-Saharan African women with a meta-analysis conducted in Nigeria reporting that breast and cervical cancers together account for 60.8% of all gynecological cancers in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, studies found that 77.8% of women with cancer present with clinical stage III or IV of the disease compared to 54.3% in men. The importance of cancer care, advocacy and awareness to reduce the effect of late diagnosis continues to grow each day.

Women are particularly affected by cancers because of limited awareness of the symptoms, and limited access to screening, diagnosis and treatment. This is partly driven by gender inequality in healthcare decision-making. Women may have limited autonomy over their health and financial decisions, relying on family or societal approval to seek medical care or pay for it. Studies in five African countries found that only 23-42% of married women reported having the final say in their own healthcare decisions.  

International Women’s day 2025 embraces the theme ‘Accelerating Action’, a call to move beyond conversations and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women worldwide. At Move Against Cancer Africa (MACA), we believe that accelerating action must also extend to a critical but often overlooked area – women’s health, particularly in relation to cancer care and awareness. At MACA, we believe that awareness, early detection and access to care are  key instruments to reducing cancer mortality, especially among African women. In line with the  theme for International Women’s Day this year, we are accelerating action through:

• Cancer Awareness and Education: Many women in Africa are unaware of the warning signs, risk factors, and prevention strategies for cancer. Research has shown that the awareness of cancer symptoms among African women averages only 30-40%, with lower rates in rural areas. MACA is committed to bridging this gap through community-based education campaigns, outreach programs and awareness initiatives.

• Advocating for better Cancer care: We recognize that fighting for cancer requires more than just medical attention. This is why we strive to advocate for systemic improvements by collaborating with healthcare facilities to improve access to better cancer care for persons with cancer. MACA focuses on building strong community partnerships and a network of cancer advocates that share their stories to reduce the cancer stigma and ignite hope.

The strength of women is undeniable and truly inspiring. Together, we can accelerate action and create a future where fewer women die from preventable cancers.

Happy International Women’s day!♥️

References:

1. Jedy-Agba, Elima, et al. “Determinants of stage at diagnosis of breast cancer in Nigerian women: sociodemographic, breast cancer awareness, health care access and clinical factors.” Cancer causes & control 28 (2017): 685-697.

2. Getachew, Sefonias, et al. “Perceived barriers to early diagnosis of breast Cancer in south and southwestern Ethiopia: a qualitative study.” BMC women’s health 20 (2020): 1-8.

Osamor, Pauline E., and Christine Grady. “Autonomy and couples’ joint decision-making in healthcare.” BMC medical ethics 19 (2018): 1-8