Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa has a unique cancer burden, marked by a disproportionately high mortality to incidence ratio, a large share of infection related and hard-to-treat cancers, and distinct environmental exposures. Population-level cancer awareness remains low, and prevention and treatment are often influenced by deeply rooted cultural beliefs. Cancer prevention guidelines developed for other regions are not fully applicable to these unique challenges. Following the IARC’s strategic methodological World Code Against Cancer Framework which aims to develop region-specific recommendations for cancer prevention (Regional Codes Against Cancer), we argue for the development of a harmonised African Code Against Cancer (AfCAC). This Code should provide prevention recommendations according to the most relevant established risk factors for Sub-Saharan Africa, reframing local knowledge, and encouraging utilization of culturally appropriate and suited effective interventions such as cancer screening. The success of the AfCAC will depend on sustained commitment from African scientists (including epidemiologist, cancer prevention experts, and communication and health literacy experts), and diverse stakeholders, mobilisation of local and international funds, and voluntary expert contribution to partly overcome current financial challenges. Successful implementation will require multistakeholder input from cancer advocacy groups and healthcare associations that may include community health workers, social anthropologists, traditional healers, herbalists, and other local expertise, who have a nuanced understanding of local cultural norms which are integral to cancer prevention efforts. In addition, strong commitment from national governments demonstrated through effective funding of National Cancer Control Plans and registries and capacity building of local healthcare workforce cancer prevention will be paramount.
Keywords: World Code Against Cancer Framework, cancer prevention, cancer control, Sub-Saharan Africa