Prioritise cancer prevention to save future generations – ACO

THE African Cancer Organisation (ACO), a non-profit organisation, has called on governments and relevant stakeholders to invest in cancer prevention and early detection.

According to the Founder and President of ACO, Mr Paul Opoku, prioritising cancer prevention is crucial to protecting the health and future of generations across the African continent and beyond.

Mr Opoku made the call in a press statement issued and copied to The Ghanaian Times yesterday to mark World Cancer Day, observed globally under the theme: ‘Close the Care Gap.’

He further encouraged individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles, undergo regular screening and support loved ones affected by the disease.

Mr Opoku noted that the global theme for World Cancer Day resonated strongly with the mission of ACO, which seeks to promote equitable access to cancer information, preventive services and early detection, particularly among underserved and marginalised populations.

“Our vision is clear: prevention must be at the centre of Africa’s cancer response,” he said, adding that through strong advocacy, capacity development and research, ACO was building a future where cancer deaths would be reduced through early detection.

As part of efforts to intensify public awareness, Mr Opoku stated that ACO would roll out the ACO Women Campaign, a flagship initiative aimed at empowering women with knowledge and access to preventive cancer services, while positioning them as key agents of change in advancing cancer prevention.

Moreover, he disclosed that the organisation would implement the ACO Diversity and Cancer Prevention Programme, designed to address disparities in cancer risk, awareness and access to preventive services among diverse population groups across Africa and the diaspora.

World Cancer Day, marked annually on February 4, is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise awareness about cancer and promote its prevention, detection and treatment.

BY TIMES REPORTER

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