Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, disproportionately affecting underserved populations due to disparities in access to care, early detection, and treatment. In Nigeria, the challenge is even more pronounced, with over 70% of cases diagnosed at advanced stages due to insufficient awareness and inadequate screening facilities. This underscores the urgency of this year’s World Cancer Day theme, “United by Unique,” which calls on individuals, communities, and organizations to work together, acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by cancer patients and caregivers.
At ACT Foundation, we believe that tackling cancer requires a people-centered approach; one that recognizes the unique experiences, needs, and barriers of those affected. For the past seven years, we have been at the forefront of cancer interventions in Nigeria, funding initiatives that prioritize early detection, awareness, and treatment access. Through partnerships with various NGOs, our programs have reached over 504,000 direct beneficiaries across all 36 states in Nigeria.
One of our flagship initiatives, the #TimeToScreen program, implemented by Sebeccly Cancer Care, is a testament to the power of collaboration in bridging healthcare gaps. Launched in 2017 and funded by ACT Foundation in 2019, this initiative provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings to women in underserved communities. Since its inception, over 12,000 women have been screened, many of whom might never have accessed such critical services otherwise. In 2019 alone, 7,000 women received free cervical cancer screenings, with all pre-cancerous lesions identified during screenings promptly treated.
Beyond screenings, this initiative empowers women with knowledge about their health, ensuring they become active participants in their well-being. By integrating screening programs into three Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Lagos and Ogun states, #TimeToScreen has demonstrated how partnerships between civil society and local health authorities can increase access to lifesaving interventions.
Similarly, the Men On Blue initiative, championed by Project PINK BLUE, is breaking the silence on prostate cancer, a disease that affects thousands of men but remains largely undiscussed. By combining localized campaigns, educational materials in indigenous languages, and screening services, this project has reached over 15 million Nigerians and provided direct screening to over 3,000 men. Through innovative approaches like treatment navigation pathways, it has also ensured that diagnosed individuals receive the care they need without delay.
Incorporating cutting-edge technology into cancer care, St. Cyril Cancer Treatment Foundation is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance early breast cancer detection. By leveraging the MIRAI AI tool to predict breast cancer risk based on mammogram data, this initiative is making early diagnosis more accessible, cost-effective, and efficient, reducing the need for repeated screenings and minimizing radiation exposure.
As we commemorate World Cancer Day 2025, we must remember that every individual’s cancer journey is unique. A one-size-fits-all approach to cancer care is ineffective; instead, we must prioritize personalized, equitable, and compassionate healthcare systems that put people first. “United by Unique” is more than just a theme—it is a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, NGOs, and communities to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.
At ACT Foundation, we remain committed to championing initiatives that give voice and agency to cancer patients and their families. We call on stakeholders to unite in ensuring that cancer care is not a privilege but a right for all. By leveraging our collective strengths, we can build a future where every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to quality cancer prevention, treatment, and support.
This World Cancer Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to equity in cancer care, innovation in treatment, and unwavering support for those battling this disease. Together, we are “United by Unique”.
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