By Awa Sowe
The Gambia on 4th February 2026 joins the world in observing World Cancer Day, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, promoting prevention, early detection, and treatment, and mobilizing collective action against one of the world’s deadliest diseases. This year’s theme, “United by Unique,” emphasizes that cancer is not just a medical diagnosis it is a deeply personal experience, shaped by social, cultural, economic, and emotional factors.
For many Gambians, cancer is no longer an abstract threat. For Awa Jallow, a 42-year-old mother of three from Brikama, the journey began with routine fatigue and unexplained bleeding.
“I ignored the symptoms at first,” she recalls. “I thought it was normal stress or tiredness. By the time I went to the clinic, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I was terrified, but thanks to early treatment and support, I am here today.”
Awa’s story is one of resilience, but it highlights a persistent challenge in The Gambia: late presentation. According to the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP), 2022 saw 1,196 new cases of cancer and 899 deaths, with cervical, liver, breast, lung, and prostate cancers being the most common. Viral infections, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV), contribute to over half of these cases.
Globally, the cancer burden is even greater. Nearly 20 million new cases and 10 million deaths were recorded in 2022, with low- and middle-income countries disproportionately affected. Lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed, followed by breast and colorectal cancers. In Africa alone, there were 1.18 million new cases and 763,000 deaths in 2022, with projections indicating that cancer deaths could reach nearly one million annually by 2030 without urgent intervention.
“Cancer is not just a disease it is a public health challenge with profound social and economic implications,” says Dr. Lamin Sanyang, Director of the NCCP. “Early detection and prevention are our most powerful tools. We must strengthen screening programs, educate communities, and build capacity in our health system to reduce mortality.”
The Ministry of Health, through the NCCP, has been taking steps to address these challenges. Over the past year, significant milestones have been achieved:
• Nationwide training of midwives in cervical cancer screening, integrating preventive services into routine maternal and child health care.
• Expansion of breast and cervical cancer screening, particularly during the Pink October campaign, which screened over 2,000 women, with suspected cases referred for further evaluation. Immediate treatment of precancerous lesions was provided through thermocoagulation.
• Launch of the 10KSA initiative, promoting regular check-ups, screenings, and healthy lifestyle practices.
• Strengthening the oncology workforce, including the training of a radiation oncologist and a medical physicist, with plans to expand specialist training.
• Procurement of quality control equipment for diagnostic radiology, with training for staff underway.
• Formation of survivors’ support groups, offering emotional support and community solidarity.
Yet, despite progress, challenges remain. Many cancers are detected late, diagnostic and treatment capacity is limited, and gaps persist in patient navigation, funding, public awareness, and data collection. Cultural stigma, fear, and misinformation continue to delay timely care.
For Abdou Njie, a 55-year-old man from Farafenni diagnosed with liver cancer, the stigma was as difficult to confront as the disease itself.
“People whispered and avoided me when they learned I had cancer,” he says. “Some said it was a curse or punishment. It was lonely, but the doctors and my family kept me going. Awareness campaigns like World Cancer Day are essential they teach people that cancer is treatable and support is available.”
Breast cancer survivor Habi Bah, 38 emphasizes the importance of early detection.
“I found a lump while breastfeeding my youngest child,” she recalls. “I went to the clinic immediately. The doctors acted fast, and I underwent treatment. I am alive today because I didn’t delay. I want every woman to know: check yourself, go for screening, and don’t be afraid.”
The “United by Unique” theme recognizes that behind every diagnosis is a unique human story and calls for a health system that addresses both the disease and the person living with it. This holistic approach is central to the NCCP’s strategy.
“Our goal is not just to treat cancer but to prevent it, detect it early, and support patients throughout their journey,” says Dr. Sanyang. “This involves vaccination programs, health education, accessible screening services, strong referral systems, and building trust in communities.”
One notable initiative is the training of midwives in cervical cancer screening, a measure that brings preventive care closer to rural communities. “Midwives are often the first point of contact for women,” explains Dr. Sanyang. “Equipping them with the skills to screen for cervical cancer can save lives by catching disease before it progresses.”
The NCCP has also prioritized engagement with civil society. During the Pink October campaign alone, over 10 local organizations partnered with health facilities to screen thousands of women, demonstrating the power of community-led action.
Musa Bah, a prostate cancer survivor, shares his perspective on awareness and support: “I ignored urinary problems for months because I was afraid of the diagnosis. When I finally went to the clinic, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I received treatment, but I know many men avoid check-ups due to fear or pride. We must normalize conversations about cancer early detection saves lives.”
Looking ahead, the NCCP is committed to scaling up screening for breast, cervical, prostate, and liver cancers, strengthening vaccination and prevention programs, improving referral and treatment pathways, enhancing diagnostic and oncology capacity, and deepening partnerships with communities, survivors, and stakeholders nationwide.
As the country observes World Cancer Day, the Ministry of Health calls on all Gambians:
“Prevention, early detection, and timely treatment save lives. Get informed. Get screened. Seek care early. Support those living with cancer. Together, united by unique, we can reduce the cancer burden and build a healthier future for The Gambia.”
For many survivors, the message is clear: action saves lives. For Awa Jallow, Habi Bah , Abdou Njie, and Musa Bah, their experiences reflect not only the challenges of cancer but also the hope that early detection, treatment, and community support bring.
“I am alive because of early screening and medical care,” says Habi. “If my story encourages even one person to get checked, it is worth sharing.”
In a country where cancer is increasingly prevalent, the stories of survivors, the dedication of health professionals, and the commitment of programs like the NCCP are a testament to the fact that cancer is not inevitable, and lives can be saved when communities act together.
World Cancer Day 2026 is more than a date on the calendar it is a reminder that every Gambian can take action. Whether through vaccination, screening, healthy living, or supporting those affected, the fight against cancer is a shared responsibility.
United by unique, Gambians are rising to the challenge turning awareness into action, and hope into life.
