Cancer currently causes more deaths that TB, Malaria and HIV and AIDS combined. Over 70% of cancer related deaths occur in developing countries, many of which are in Africa. The WHO reports that there were over 680,000 deaths caused by cancer in 2008, and these numbers are currently increasing. According to the Global Status Report on non-communicable diseases, cancer is predicted to be an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality in the next few decades, in all regions of the world. The report however suggests that the rise of cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and related deaths can be reversed, and gains can be achieved rapidly if appropriate action is taken such as the development of specific strategies to prevent cancer. These include interventions for reducing tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and the harmful use of alcohol. Comprehensive cancer control encompasses primary prevention, early detection/screening, treatment and palliative care.
In Africa women mostly suffer from cervical and breast cancers, while men suffer from Kaposi Sarcoma, liver, prostate, stomach, lung, oesophagus, and bladder cancers. In Kenya, the most frequently diagnosed cancers are breast and oesophagus cancers leading to approximately 118,000 cancer deaths under the age of 70 per year. In Kenya, over 82,000 new cases are diagnosed annually and unreported numbers remain unknown.
These are just a few of the reasons the Africa Cancer Foundation is being established. ACF is committed to promoting the prevention of cancer and providing holistic solutions to people affected by cancer in Africa. We truly believe WE CAN BECAUSE WE CARE!
