NCCP marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It is against this backdrop that the National Cancer Control Program of the Ministry of Health on Wednesday 1st October 2025 convened a press briefing in observance of this awareness month and to amplify advocacy with the ultimate goal of reducing the disease mortality worldwide.

In his welcoming address, Micheal M. Mendy, Director at the Directorate of Health Promotion and Education (DHPE) at the Ministry, underscored the importance of the event.

He reminded that the initiative is part of a broader initiative focused on community support and global advocacy for breast cancer and the pink colour that has been given to it also is a symbol of hope and action.

“It has become prominent during this time and today being the beginning of this month, October, the pink colour that reminds us that the journey that we have all taken and as a country also the commitment that has been shown is why we have structured in a way that we have set up a program that will always be on the front line to coordinate the activities that are required to reduce the burden of this disease.”

Awa Sarr, from the Cancer Confrontation Care and Consolation The Gambia, a civil society organisation, reminded of that burden of cancer in the country, adding that as far as health is concerned, cancer has affected us all, one way or the other.

"It has either affected close family members or friends or people that we knew and it does, it just doesn't stop from, it just doesn't stop with the person that it has affected. It trickles down to everyone that the person knows and with regards to this, we would like to thank the Ministry of Health for organising such initiatives."

Another activist, Ida Cesay, Cancer Association The Gambia, expressed similar sentiments, and a cancer survivor, first congratulated the National Cancer Control Programme for the initiative, saying the month is specifically to raise awareness and a perfect reminder that partnership is important as no single organisation can win the battle alone.

"It is a collective effort, collaboration and compassion. Breast cancer continues to be a growing health challenge in our community. Early detection, awareness and access to treatment is critical in saving lives. As partners, we are determined to strengthen advocacy, support patients and survivors and work hand in hand with NCCP to promote preventive and improved care for all. I have a special stake in this day today as a survivor."

Fatoumata Komma, partnership coordinator at Ministry of Health, who read a statement on behalf of the minister, revealed that breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in women in the world.

"In 2022, about 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide with 670,000 deaths, with a disproportionate number of these deaths occurring in low-resource settings.  In 2021, to bridge the inequalities in breast cancer outcomes in the world, WHO established the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) with the goal of reducing breast cancer by 2.5% per year, which over a 20-year period would save 2.5 million lives. The three pillars toward achieving these objectives are: health promotion for early detection; timely diagnosis and comprehensive breast cancer management."

Further, he said that in The Gambia, breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women, adding that its incidence is increasing especially in younger women under 50 years, with up to 71% of cases diagnosed in this age group. 

"In 2022, its incidence rate was 15%, with a mortality rate exceeding 50% among diagnosed patients.  Notwithstanding, breast cancer is curable when caught early. The earlier the stage of breast cancer, the better the chance of survival. The very early breast cancers have a 97 to 100 percent chance of cure, making early detection key in its treatment. Early detection through regular screening and timely intervention significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. Tools for early detection for breast cancer include self- breast examination, clinical breast examination, mammograms."

She also highlighted series of community advocacies and sensitisations that will be conducted during the month in various communities in the country.

Kebba S. Bojang, programme manager at National Cancer Control Programme, made a presentation about the cancer situation in the country and some of the activities, roles, calling for the need for more advocacy to address the issue.