In 2022, 11 841 new cases of cancer were recorded in Senegal, accompanied by 8 134 deaths, as announced by Serigne Mbaye, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and Social Action, last Tuesday. These data come from estimates by GLOBOCAN, which underline the gravity of the situation. During the commemoration of the World Day against Cancer, placed under the theme “Unis par l’unique”, M. Mbaye detailed the types of cancer most frequent in Senegal. It pointed out that cancer of the cervix (17,0003%), of the breast (15,5%) and of the liver (9,7%) represent the principal forms of cancer, while prostate cancer, affecting particularly men, represents 7,7% of cases. This plan is also part of the National Development Strategy (SND 2025-2029), which aims to promote sustainable and endogenous development, while promoting economic sovereignty. As part of this initiative, the government plans to strengthen the skills of health professionals, improve medical infrastructures and raise awareness among the population of cancer risk factors. In addition, partnerships with international institutions, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are envisaged to support the development of radiotherapy and nuclear medicine services. Commenting on the theme of the day, Serigne Mbaye underlined the importance of unity and collaboration to combat this disease effectively. He stressed the fundamental role of solidarity in this collective struggle. Professor Mamadou Moustapha Dieng, Director of the Institute of Cancer and Vice-President of the Senegalese Cancer Society (Sosecan), urged the Ministry of Health to support health structures to improve their response to this disease. He pointed out that although progress had been made in the training of professionals, efforts should now be concentrated on hospital structures. For him, prevention remains the central element of any strategy to combat cancer. Prof. Dieng also called on associations to coordinate their actions by setting up advisory bodies to better structure the fight against cancer.
Col de l’utérus, seins, liver…: The alarming numbers of cancer in Senegal
