The national "Pink October 2025" campaign was launched this Thursday, October 9, at Place de la Nation in Dakar. This ceremony marks the start of a month of awareness and screening dedicated to the fight against breast and cervical cancer.

 

 

Figures that worry

 

Each year, Senegal records more than 2,000 new cases of breast cancer, with an estimated mortality rate of 60%. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the country recorded approximately 11,841 new cases of cancer and 8,134 deaths from all pathologies in 2022.

 

According to the Senegalese League Against Cancer (LISCA), Senegal records 1,836 new cases of breast cancer and 976 deaths each year. These alarming figures are largely due to late detection of the disease.

 

These statistics place female cancers among the leading causes of death among women in Senegal.

 

LISCA President Dr. Fatma Guenoune emphasized the importance of early screening, recommended from the age of 40, which increases the chances of survival and reduces the costs associated with heavy treatment.

At the same time, she advocates for increased resources to ensure optimal care.

 

The call for mobilization

 

Dakar Mayor Abass Fall reiterated that cancer "is a major and acute health problem" that affects society as a whole. He called for widespread action in public spaces and within local communities to raise awareness and promote early detection.

 

He also pledged to advocate with local elected officials and to involve First Lady Marie Khone Faye, patron of this 2025 edition, to support prevention actions and save lives.

 

The commitment of the government and partners

 

The ceremony brought together representatives from WHO, UNICEF, the Ministry of Health and several civil society actors.

 

WHO representative Ousmane Dieng praised the government's efforts, including free breast cancer treatment and the promotion of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

 

He, however, recalled that challenges persist such as the availability of reliable data, sustainable financing and the implementation of a national plan to combat cancer.

 

UNICEF, for its part, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting HPV vaccination campaigns to protect young girls from cervical cancer.

 

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Health stressed the need for "mobilization, compassion and solidarity" around this cause, praising the leadership of the First Lady and the continued support of technical and financial partners.

 

During this campaign, 15 activities are planned to take place throughout the month: Free consultations at LISCA headquarters from Monday to Friday, traveling campaigns in several locations across the country, a major screening and awareness day, planned for October 11 at the Stade de l'Amitié (Léopold Sédar Senghor).

 

Pink October 2025 will run until October 31. A month to remind everyone that screening saves lives and that the fight against cancer is everyone's business.

 

Pink October 2025: Senegal at war against breast and cervical cancer

 

The national "Pink October 2025" campaign was launched this Thursday, October 9, at Place de la Nation in Dakar. This ceremony marks the start of a month of awareness and screening dedicated to the fight against breast and cervical cancer.

 

 

Figures that worry

 

Each year, Senegal records more than 2,000 new cases of breast cancer, with an estimated mortality rate of 60%. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the country recorded approximately 11,841 new cases of cancer and 8,134 deaths from all pathologies in 2022.

 

According to the Senegalese League Against Cancer (LISCA), Senegal records 1,836 new cases of breast cancer and 976 deaths each year. These alarming figures are largely due to late detection of the disease.

 

These statistics place female cancers among the leading causes of death among women in Senegal.

 

LISCA President Dr. Fatma Guenoune emphasized the importance of early screening, recommended from the age of 40, which increases the chances of survival and reduces the costs associated with heavy treatment.

At the same time, she advocates for increased resources to ensure optimal care.

 

The call for mobilization

 

Dakar Mayor Abass Fall reiterated that cancer "is a major and acute health problem" that affects society as a whole. He called for widespread action in public spaces and within local communities to raise awareness and promote early detection.

 

He also pledged to advocate with local elected officials and to involve First Lady Marie Khone Faye, patron of this 2025 edition, to support prevention actions and save lives.

 

The commitment of the government and partners

 

The ceremony brought together representatives from WHO, UNICEF, the Ministry of Health and several civil society actors.

 

WHO representative Ousmane Dieng praised the government's efforts, including free breast cancer treatment and the promotion of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

 

He, however, recalled that challenges persist such as the availability of reliable data, sustainable financing and the implementation of a national plan to combat cancer.

 

UNICEF, for its part, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting HPV vaccination campaigns to protect young girls from cervical cancer.

 

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Health stressed the need for "mobilization, compassion and solidarity" around this cause, praising the leadership of the First Lady and the continued support of technical and financial partners.

 

During this campaign, 15 activities are planned to take place throughout the month: Free consultations at LISCA headquarters from Monday to Friday, traveling campaigns in several locations across the country, a major screening and awareness day, planned for October 11 at the Stade de l'Amitié (Léopold Sédar Senghor).

 

Pink October 2025 will run until October 31. A month to remind everyone that screening saves lives and that the fight against cancer is everyone's business.