Early Screening Saves Lives: Yaoundé Hosts Inaugural National Cancer Conference

In a landmark effort to intensify the fight against cancer in Cameroon, the city of Yaoundé hosted the first-ever National Cancer Conference under the poignant theme, “Early Screening Saves Lives.” The event, which brought together more than 50 participants at the Safari Hotel, was a dynamic collaboration between Stand Against Cancer and Value Health Africa, two leading organizations in the field of public health advocacy.

The conference served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, education, and action, uniting a broad spectrum of voices—from medical professionals and cancer survivors to civil society actors and members of the public—all committed to turning the tide on cancer in Cameroon.
Urgent Call for Early Detection and Equity in Healthcare

In her powerful opening address, Dr. Ngoufo Ritch, Vice-President of Stand Against Cancer, emphasized the urgent need to prioritize early detection as a means to reduce cancer-related deaths. “We must break down the social and economic barriers that keep too many from accessing the care they need,” she urged, rallying all sectors of society to join forces in the fight against cancer.

The tone of the conference was both sobering and hopeful, with a sharp focus on Cameroon’s current cancer landscape. According to GLOBOCAN 2022, the country records over 20,000 new cancer cases and 13,000 deaths annually—figures that demand urgent national response.
Survivors Share Stories of Strength and Hope

One of the most impactful moments of the day came from Mme Lucie Gertrude and Ms. Danielle Song, two cancer survivors who shared deeply personal testimonies of their journeys from diagnosis to recovery. Their stories highlighted the life-saving power of early screening and the critical role of emotional and community support.
Key Sessions Spark New Ideas and Solutions

The conference featured a rich lineup of sessions, including:

Cancer Basics and Risk Factors: Dr. Carine Vanessa Megne broke down the science of cancer, debunking myths and explaining common symptoms and risk factors.

Barriers to Screening: A participatory session explored the country’s alarmingly low screening rates—only 3.5% of eligible women receive cervical cancer screening—and proposed grassroots solutions to bridge the gap.

Cultural and Economic Hurdles: Mr. Ngobeu MIMBE Hervé Cédric of YES HEALTH explored how stigma, traditional beliefs, and poverty keep many from seeking care.

Community-Based Innovation: Mme Landi Haingo Rabeantoandro from the C3UC3 Project showcased successful community models including home-based self-sampling and engagement of local leaders.

Civil Society Action: The association La Main sur le Cœur presented its holistic approach to supporting vulnerable patients through nutritional, medical, and psychosocial aid.

Health & Nutrition: A session on lifestyle and diet reinforced the preventive role of healthy habits in reducing cancer risk.

Outcomes and the Road Ahead

The conference succeeded in energizing public discourse around cancer, particularly the importance of early screening and community mobilization. It also identified major gaps in the national healthcare infrastructure, from the absence of a cancer registry to insufficient oncology services in rural areas.

A series of key recommendations emerged from the event, including:

The creation of a national cancer screening program with clear guidelines and evaluation systems.

• Increased public investment in oncology services and facilities.
• Stronger community-led health education, especially among youth and women.
• Public-private partnerships to ensure affordable access to screening and treatment.

Looking to 2026: The Fight Continues

As the day came to a close, Dr. Ritch delivered a heartfelt message of unity and determination, officially announcing the second edition of the Cancer Conference, scheduled for August 14, 2026. The host city will be revealed in the coming months.

“Together, we can dismantle the barriers to cancer care. Every voice matters. Every action counts,” she concluded.

A New Chapter in Cancer Advocacy

The 2025 Cancer Conference in Yaoundé marked a turning point in Cameroon’s cancer response—a moment where science, solidarity, and grassroots activism came together to ignite national momentum. While the path ahead remains challenging, the message from Yaoundé is clear: cancer is not a death sentence—when caught early, it can be beaten.

Yaoundé, Cameroon – August 17, 2025